By Christmas Eve, Jodie, Nick’s girlfriend had arrived. We had sailed for a week with Nick and Jodie in September and we were thrilled to see her.
Susan, Gay’s sister, came soon after and the ladies started hatching ideas for Mary Lynn’s quest for the perfect Scottish sweater. Tim and Nick had other plans and despite an incredibly rainy day, they rented ebikes.
While they headed into the Cairngorms in the pouring rain, Mary Lynn, Susan and Gay had a delightful and dry day exploring the area and having a wonderful lunch of traditional Cullen Skink (Scottish Fish Soup) and tea.
Once the boys returned, we had a sumptuous cheese fondue dinner. Gay II, Susan’s daughter/Nick’s cousin, arrived with her son Edson for the Christmas Eve feast.
Christmas morning dawned with smells of turkey, stuffing and cranberries wafting through the air. Gay, Nick’s Mom is an incredible chef and every meal was a feast. But before we got to dinner, first there were presents to open.
After Christmas presents had been opened, Tim and I took a quick walk with the dogs before dinner. We had a menagerie in the house, including Nick’s flat coat retrievers Yogi and Boo, Jodie’s chocolate lab Branston, and Gay II’s little Jack Russell Astin. We loved all the dogs, but we nearly stole Astin away.
Once we arrived back, it was just about time for a proper Scottish Christmas dinner.
And then, the very best surprise of the day…
Susan Guillotte
October 26, 2021 at 12:10 pm
Mr. Bradshaw, I hope you don’t mind. After you sent your package at the post office, I told my husband about your description of Scotland. When we looked up the “Estate”, this came up and I told him that you indeed were my customer. You are right. This looks like a beautiful place and I will make a note that someday, we will visit to see what my 40% Scottish background looks like in person. My husband is a retired airline pilot so we can fly for free. Its just a matter of getting the time soon in retirement. Safe travels to you and your wife and hope your package arrives at its destination promptly. Thank you for sharing, Susan Guillotte, Urbanna Post Office
Tim
October 26, 2021 at 12:35 pm
Hi Susan – Glad you found us! If you get a chance, go visit Kinguisse and all of northern Scotland as it is beautiful!