Overseas

"We did it!" (as Molly would say). It was quite an adventure but Madeleine and I managed to survive the flights and jetlag (just) and spent three fun-packed weeks in Scotland, reuniting with family in Shetland (first time all together in Shetland since 1979) and catching up with close friends in Fife and Edinburgh. It was lovely to see Mum and Dad again and great to spend a week with all my siblings, recounting old stories and watching old movies and taking walks around the house where we all used to play as kids. Mum and Dad have a fantastic new extension which is cosy and warm as well as being light and spacious too. Dad had a projector screen built into the ceiling so many a night was spent watching videos, rugby and football games and plenty of old photos.

MuckleBousta

The Johnstons reunited!

Jamie, Sorley and Gudrun (MuckleBousta in the far background)

Grandpa and Madeleine

Grandma with Madeleine

For those of you who don't already know about my talented little sister, Gudrun Durham, I would like to introduce you to her work: http://shetlandtrader.blogspot.com/

Gudrun is an amazing knitwear designer. While we were in Shetland, Gudrun created a beautiful shawl using an old Shetland lace pattern (sorry G but I can't find the photos - do you have them?) She also brought with her from California, a very cool little black dress (see below) and a little hat for Madeleine. I am so impressed with her natural talent - go sis!

Gudrun's little black dress

Madeleine's new hat (made by Gudrun)

Me and Little Sis (Gudrun)

After ten days with Mum and Dad in Shetland, Maddy and I flew to Aberdeen and spent a couple of nights with Sorley, Wendy and Ben, whom I thought had grown up so much since I last saw him! Madeleine was fascinated with Ella (dog) and the cats and spent much of her time craning her neck to watch them racing around in the house. Then we caught a train (Maddy's first time on a train) to Perth where my good friend, Sue and her wee boy, Reuben were waiting to pick us up. That night I had a wonderful evening catching up with all my good friends in Fife; Gill and Adam hosted an amazing evening at their place in Auchtermuchty (love what you've done to your house you guys!) and everyone ptiched in to put on a merry feast. Sheena: that cheesecake was to die for and I haven't enjoyed a prawn cocktail for so long! If it wasn't for Lindy and John leaving in good time to get back for the babysitter, I think I would have had a very sore head the next day! The next day everyone and their kids came over to Sue and James' place so we spent the day running around in the garden (well OK, not me), drinking copious cups of tea and eating biccies. Thanks so much Sue and James for having everyone to your place and for doing such a good job of looking after me! It was so good to see you all again and to catch up properly even if it was brief! Here are some photos!

Fifers dining in chez Le Pedens (spot Sheena and the cheescake!)
Gill and Adam with Maddy


The Girls!
(AKA Rosie, Lindy, Sue, Beth and Gill with wee Aoieffe)

Lindy with Madeleine and Rosie

Sue and Reuben saying goodbye at the Station


Our next whistlestop was Esther and Ally's place in Edinburgh - Casa Del Duncan - where I was more than well looked after and felt very at home. Eva is the same age as Molly (2 weeks younger) and reminded me a lot of Molly in many ways. Eva was a great wee helper when it came to feeding and changing Madeleine and generally keeping her well entertained! It was lovely to catch up with Sarah (an old pal from School) and Esther and Sarah and I even managed to go out for a meal one night as Ally ushered us out the door - thanks Ally! Can't believe I didn't take any photos of Esther or Ally!!!

Sarah with Eva and Madeleine

Having lunch with my good friend, Helen, in Edinburgh