At our morning tea and coffee break, we were treated to a great surprise! Meredith had the MacGregor plaid counted out, so that we could needlepoint it. Our initial was painted for us and I know that I was very anxious to start. It was intended to keep us occupied on our bus rides, but then again there was so much scenery to see!
Here was mine! We had a choice of Kreinik 1/16” ribbon or Frye Werks and I picked the latter. Have you ever stitched plaid? It’s quite fun, especially once you start the other direction and you watch it develop.
Here is mine and of course this was after a week or so of stitching on the bus! Mine is finished now and I will share a picture with you later.
After lunch we were off to the National Museum of Scotland. First we were honored to view some embroidered masterpieces privately. Those that they shared with us were amazing! And you will have to take my word for it as we were not allowed to take pictures, only Phillipa and Meredith did. The clothes that you see here are part of the “Wild and Majestic” exhibit in the museum, where we could take pictures.
Notice this woman’s dress and the small amount of plaid that adorns it? Supposedly it was frowned upon for woman to wear full tartan!
The sleeves were created to be very tight and not sure that they moved their arms much!
Beautiful! And I could’ve stayed their forever listening to the curator. But all too soon it was time to leave.
On the way back we would pass by the Elephant House, which has established itself as one of the best tea and coffee houses in Edinburgh. Made famous as the place of inspiration to J.K. Rowling while writing most of her early novels in the back room overlooking Edinburgh Castle.
I did a little Scotch shopping after this. I was looking for some single malts that you can’t get in the states. I didn’t buy any here as the decision making as tough. Later in the trip I would though!
The day after this, we would leave Edinburgh and enjoy some fabulous new adventures. Stay tuned!
For those of you who have been reading my blog over the years, remember that I always shared a picture of my cats…even though the last few years it’s just been AlleyCat and I. She would always sit on my lap as I stitched and this would be the last time that we would do that. Very sad to say that AlleyCat joined her brothers Felix & Sylvester as she crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I am all alone now with no felines and it’s tough, very tough. I will always grieve her loss, but sooner than not, we will change that as I have too much love in my ❤️ heart.
So sorry for your loss.
Thank you so much.
I will also miss dear Alley Cat! She was a very real, purring presence on your blog and it was a pleasure to share her with you. My daughter adopted two rescue cats last year, and following many changes in her life, we are now officially Feline Grandparents! They are delightful, and seem to understand how loved and lucky they are. Good luck with your new arrival, whenever it arrives. And thank you for the wonderful accounts of your Scottish trip – my feet are itchy!
Thanks so much. I do look forward to my new arrivals!
Dear Vicky,
My heart is breaking for you. I am so sorry about Alley Cat. She will be missed by all of us…hugs to you.
Thank you. It’s been tough without her.
Dear Vicky. We have never met except through your blog and probably never will, but I am sorry for Alley Cat. I was very upset to lose Sneakers who came to dinner and stayed 16 years. She was our one and only pet and we still miss her. Take care. Heather
Thank you Heather. 16 years is a long time and I’m sure you still miss her.
So sorry for your loss.
Thanks so much.
I am so sorry to hear about Alley Cat. One of my favorite parts of reading our blog is your pictures of her!
Ooh thank you! And I always loved sharing pictures oh her antics!
Love your plaid needlepoint. What a nice way to remember your Scotland trip. I am heartbroken to hear of your loss. I know my 18 yr old cat will pass away sooner rather than later but for now I give her lots of hugs every day. I can’t imagine a life without a cat. So sorry to hear about Alleycat.
Life without a cat is not the same.
I’m sorry to hear of AlleyCat’s passing. I lost my Elvis 15 months ago and still can’t bear to replace him. I know we will eventually. But I’m afraid of not having a cat as great as he was. Peace to you.
Thank you. But you can never replace them, you just love another. You are rescuing them.