If you are a knitter like me you might be excited to see the beautiful coloured yarn that I purchased in York. Made from the sheep of the Yorkshire it is authentic English spun wool. I purchased two balls, 100 grams each, and these royal bamboo knitting needles and my little fingers are itching to make something.
On this trip I have met and talked with, at great length, two exceptional knitters. These two ladies have spent their lives knitting with Shetland, because they lived in that area of Northern Scotland, as well as making Fair Isle clothing items.
June and Anne Marie have shared with me the ins and outs of that type of patterning.
Thus...this week I am going to a knitting store in Edinburgh....I can hardly wait....to find some authentic Scottish yard, maybe Shetland, to try Fair Isle knitting again. I haven't done that since the kids were little but I believe Anne Marie has talked me through some of the challenges that made me stop.
The blankie under the yarn is a Scottish tartan throw we each bought because it's a wee bit chilly in the place we are staying for the month.
This cute little thing is referred to as a knitting counter. It is a adorable little sheep that I also purchased at York. I often use a thread of yarn to keep track of the number of stitches, but now this little guy is hanging out with me!
Rainy days require some creative thinking when travelling. Indoor activities and I don't mean staying in pyjamas, in bed, eating bonbons.....although we have had a few days like that in the last few months.
The National Museum of Scotland is our focus today. It covers Scottish history. It is huge with many corridors and seven levels including an outdoor terrace that is open today. The museum is absolutely free.
Below is our starting point. The museum is designed around this atrium type room.
Randoms of the Museum - an Victorian Water Fountain.
Kids enjoying learning about history in a hands on fashion.
This is for Clark.....I bet he already knew that Jackie Stewart was a Scotsman but just in case here he is immortalized in the Scottish museum.
Scotland has fought for Independence for centuries. Here are a few quotes of men who have stood up for their country and paid the ultimate price.
"Freeeedoooooom"
When the Scots rose up against the English King Edward I, it was William Wallace who led the rebellion. Famous especially for defeating an English army of 10,000 at the Stirling Bridge.
Ultimately he was captured, convicted of treason and executed in 1305.
Still he inspired another Scotsman, Robert the Bruce, to pick up the 'torch of independence' after his death.
"Robert the Bruce" first joined in William Wallace's revolt against the English. But when the revolt turned in favour of the English, Robert and a number of other nobles turned their back on William Wallace and surrendered, pledging their loyalty to King Edward I again.
After William Wallace's death and other events that occurred, Robert defeated the English at the Battle of Bannockburn.
By the year 1314, Robert the Bruce was now King of Scotland and the English were out of Scotland. His descendants ruled Scotland for 400 year. As a matter of fact, his blood line runs through Queen Elizabeth II.
A random sculpture in the museum.
He looks like a Knight to me.
The tomb of Mary, Queen of Scots. A very tragic story.
Born in 1542. Her father was James V of Scotland. He died when she was a one year old child. She became Queen of Scotland but was unsafe. She was sent to live in France. She was betrothed and was married at age 15, to the King of France, Francis II. but he died a few years later.
She returned to Scotland as Queen of the Scots at age 18 years.
Mary married again to an unsavoury character, Lord Darnley and had a son, James.
Lord Darnley was found murdered. She married one more time to another unsavoury character named Lord Bothwell.
At this time the Scottish Lords rose up against Mary. Held as a prisoner at Lochleven Castle
after her defeat in 1567 she was forced to abdicate in favour of her son James. She fled to England where her cousin Elizabeth I, rather than helping her, held her in prison for almost 20 years. Elizabeth felt that Mary was a great threat to her and her crown. She had her executed in 1587.
With many years of contemplation she penned her thought and this is one excerpt of her dairies...
"To eat and drink and live at ease,
brings suffering and makes us sad,
and neither friends nor wealth nor learning
have the power to make us glad."
Mary, Queen of Scots (while imprisoned in England)
Ironically, when Elizabeth I died she had no heirs. Mary, Queen of Scotland's son James became King.
Antique vessels for spirits (wine and beer).
Swords.....
A random Celtic cross
In another area of the Museum it is hands-on for children of all ages. Science and technology, very cool and very popular.
A random "Ram's head table snuff mull" and cigar box from 1883. This would be wheeled up and down a table after dinner. Very popular with army regiments.
After dinner puff if you please?
Holly has been everywhere in Scotland and England. Actually even in Hungary.
Interesting to note that holly is known for protection from lightning. The spines on the leaves can act as miniature lightning conductors and protect the tree and other nearby objects if lightning strikes.
Really....
Terrace roof top photo of you-know-who with the Edinburgh Castle between us.
It was a mild evening and the views of the city from the Terrace was amazing. I love, as you know, the chimneys all lined up, as well as steeples above a cityscape.
Below are random photos of those two things.
With this exception of The Edinburgh Castle.
"No where is there
A more 'appier crew
Than them wot sings
Chim chim cher-ee
Chim chim cher-oo"
We leave the National Museum of Scotland and check out a story of a wee dog and the devotion he had for his owner.
Greyfriars Bobby is a famous statue of a Victorian terrier who was so devoted to his master that when he passed away the little dog stood by his master's grave for 14 years until his death.
Below is the restaurant of the same name and a picture of the little dog that Edinburgh loves.
Greyfriar's Bobby
Walking down the street we are heading for another neat significant place for some refreshments. It is called "The Elephant House." If you are a Harry Potter fan, then you might know that J.K. Rowlings, the author of Harry Potter, spent many, many hours penning her novels in the back room of this coffee house.
Besides being famous for their clientele, they also are known for their elephant collection.....about 600.
Love Earl Grey......hot....no milk.....awwww.
J.K. Rowlings was a single mother with very little money. She shared that she would buy one coffee and make it last for hours because she couldn't afford a second cup.
I bet she could now.
Good for her!!!!
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