Please excuse Maggieo for being absent...

 ...do I have an excuse for not blogging for so long...not really?  Just the busyness of life itself and I must say it has been wonderful. But I have missed blogging and all it entails.

First of all my fall ID class was cancelled which left me quite annoyed to say the least.  No teacher available. My life has been organized around the schedule which means holidays were in the peak season which not only costs more but there are so much more tourists ( just like us) that are around at that time.  Even our winter holiday was planned and paid for as the thought was that I would be in class until December but wanted to ensure our spot.  So what to do?  At first I looked for other classes to no avail...I only have antiques to complete and the final... once I had warmed up to it the plan is to enjoy this time to the hilt, get a few things done around the house and accept all invitations no matter what.  So far it has worked out nicely.  We have also celebrated a special anniversary and taken a few trips.

I delivered the Lanarte Cherries cross stitch which was well received by the recipient and now hangs on her  wall...how nice! This meant a trip across the pond to Scotland where...


For a special person on a milestone birthday

We visited many places of interest including the Blackie residence in Helensburgh, designed by Charles Rennie MacIntosh.  Had we been a few days earlier we may have met the Pitts (Brad etc) as they were staying in Ayrshire and filming in Glasgow.  I found out that Brad is a big fan of Charles Rennie MacIntosh...who knew...and they visited Hill House a few days previous. The house is magnificent and his wife, Mary MacDonald's gesso pieces above the fireplace are a must to see in person.  The interiors and furniture were designed by Rennie MacIntosh and his wife Margaret McDonald.  I want to see much more of his work.

"Hill House" Helensburgh,Scotland



Ross Priory 1693

I love this Gothic building and the grounds of Ross Priory which houses a great little golf course and magnificent views of Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond  A great place for a wedding or tea and scones on Sundays. Lunches and dinners are served and accommodation is available.  The trees on this property are very old and amazing.

We came across this hedge driving over the hill homeward.  It was on a narrow farm road and I couldn't resist stopping and taking a picture...out in the middle of nowhere you might say.  I would love to know who is responsible for this work of art.  It sure brought a smile to my face.



Polllokshaws house situated in Pollokshaws country park is the ancestral home of the Maxwell family.  This 18th century house is full of history and art. Pollokshaws house and gardens were fabulous and as a bonus the Burrell collection is also located in the park in a different more modern building which houses the magnificent collection of art and artifacts ( approx 8000 pieces) collected in the travels of shipping magnate Sir William Burrell and donated to the City. 

We actually started our trip in Argyle.  One of our favourite places in all of the world. When you visit the same place again and again the surroundings are familiar and you settle in quickly


Cottage at Walled Garden

View from the cottage



Moody view of Loch Melfort



Of course the drive in and out of Melfort Village is filled with amazing views across
the loch and the one lane road means you drive slower and take it all in.



Daily trips to Oban to pick up fresh fish



Lunch from the Shellfish shack eaten right on the pier

On our trip back we took advantage of the scenery stopping
for a light lunch in Ardliu Here is a beautiful view of Loch Lomond

The hotel will serve lunch loch side...on a nice day it can't be beaten

From this point we took in Glasgow and the surrounding area.  I must say Glasgow needs much more time as the city is just full of art and architecture that just cannot be beaten. From the hum of the city to it's people whether shoppers or soccer fans or families out for the day...it was truly spectacular as were it's entertainers.

  

Charles Rennie MacIntosh's Willow Tearooms on Buchanan Street



Piper buskers on Buchanan Street



The Merchant City 18th century architecture is amazing as are the restaurants
and bars in this area...shopping is great too.

Next time I want to see Charles Rennie MacIntosh's Scotland Street School and House for an Art Lover. As I said I couldn't get enough of Glasgow on this trip...until next time Scotland.

It's a beautiful life when your heart is home!!