June 21, 2016 - I arrive in Edinburgh and am delighted

After making my way out of the airport, I looked around for a way to get into the city. I ended up catching a train into downtown Edinburgh. 

I should learn to remember and follow instructions. I was told to take the 2nd right and follow the street around. I missed the 2nd right so wandered down the road along Prince's Park - it was lovely but 30 lbs. on my back was getting heavy rather quickly. I wished I had turned back when I realized I had passed my turn but I didn’t. I checked my map and took the 3rd right but that involved walking way up the hill to go across the front side of the castle then down the back side to the Castle Rock Hostel. I was so unimpressed to find out our room was on the 3rd floor and no elevator - only stairs. The room is really small - a single set of twin beds and about 3 feet of walking space. I got my stuff unloaded and headed out for a walk around. I really looked forward to seeing the city.

Had fun wandering around and just looking at stuff. I got to finally meet M shortly before dinner so we went out looking for food. M is a vegetarian who eats fish but is quite particular about what she wants to eat so it took quite a while before we found somewhere she wanted to try.

She has been to Edinburgh a few years ago when her daughter was attending the U of E so knew there were likely some vegetarian restaurants near the campus. We ended up at the Elephant House. Apparently J.K. Rowlings used to hang out there. My first plate of food had a hair in it but they replaced it without any issues. It meant my meal was really hot.  M wanted to try some Scottish Ale so she bought a bottle which she quite enjoyed although she decided that an entire bottle was more than she really enjoyed. 

June 20, 2016 - my flight to Scotland

I realized I hadn't arranged for my overseas cell phone coverage so while I was at the airport I figured I would get that done. After 45 minutes on the phone with Rogers, I had made no headway because Roger's site was down so I decided it would have to wait until I got to Scotland but what a nuisance.

While at YYC, I practically had to completely unpack my backpack. There was a sign saying that batteries had to go into carry-on, not checked luggage. Needless to say, the backup batteries I brought were near the bottom – I was not impressed. At least I had a table to unload onto and then I just shoved everything back in and figured I would deal with it later.

I had a good flight. Was surprised that I went through Immigration in Heathrow. I wasn't sure what to say when they asked where I would be staying but after I explained, they let me through. I was glad I bought the backpack bag because my bag arrived in good condition. 

I am glad 2014 has finally arrived!

Well, 2013 is the year that will go down as one that, with God’s grace, will NEVER be repeated in any way, shape or form.

Just 3 days after my last post, Andy suffered another heart attack and ended up in hospital for a week. It was interesting because Julie’s mother-in-law who is a nurse on the cardiac unit was his nurse part of the time – she made sure he behaved himself.

His doctor discussed the possibility of putting in a stent. After his heart attacks 4 years ago, they said it wasn’t possible but apparently medicine has come a long way in the interim. Andy was really pleased that there was hope at long last so he made sure he did his walking and he ate what he should etc. I was really glad that he seemed to finally care about taking care of himself.

Nathan came out on the weekend after Andy got out of hospital and we had a good visit with him for which I was very thankful.

Unfortunately, God had other ideas. On August 8^th, while I was trying to get ready to head off to work, he said he was having trouble breathing and would I please call the ambulance. I did so and stayed on the line while waiting for the ambulance. I supported him down the hallway to the living room so he could sit up in a comfortable chair but as we walked in the living room, he collapsed on the floor. I rolled him into what I hoped was a more comfortable position but he started to drool and I realized he was going grey. I would say the ambulance arrived within 3 or so minutes after that but by the time they arrived, he was gone.

The stupid things you do and think to do are enormous. Although the 911 operator said to not leave him, I said I had to so the paramedics could get in the house but first I had to let the dogs out or there would have been problems getting the paramedics in the house.

The paramedics asked if he had a Personal Directive – I had to be honest and say no. They apologized and said they had to do their job so they performed CPR for about 20 minutes on him before they were able to say there was nothing they could do.

Somewhere along the way, I let the dogs back in and kept them leashed to my waist leash because their barking was so upsetting to me.

After the paramedics declared him, they left a police officer on duty until the Medical Examiner’s office appeared. Because of my job, I knew the ME person by name so when I told her who I was, we were able to have a slightly different conversation than the usual because I understood what Pat had to do.

I phoned the kids while waiting for the ME to arrive so Aaron, Julie and Michael came over as quickly as they could and we were all able to sit with him for a little while before his body was taken away.

Well, this is all I am up to writing today but I will continue this saga.

A new hobby

For years I have been fascinated by weaving. I had signed up for a weaving course before Aaron was born, the class ended up being full so I took the spinning class but it never caught my fancy.

A few months ago, I decided I wanted to so something craft but I no longer enjoy counted cross stitch and I can't knit or crochet so I thought I would consider weaving again. I ended up finding a place at the other end of the city called Shuttleworks and off I went. I bought an Ashford 24" Loom and took it home.

It actually took several weeks to put it together (even though it came with simple instructions) because if there was a way to make a mistake I found it.

I found out that Olds College had a week long course in Beginners Weaving and I signed up for it. I had an absolute blast - great class and the other students were fun too. Our instructor was only 24 years old and a charming young woman. There were 12 of us (I think) - mostly about my age. I think I was the only "city slicker".

I will post some photos next time.