I got out the airport in Glasgow and it was sunny, dry but very cold - it didn't last long though as it was pouring down by the time we reached Troon where I was crashing with Alice & Amy. After a few days though the sun came out again - took me longer to wake up!! As you can see when the sun does come out it makes a big difference. Though I was still wearing my gloves and extra layers I had dug out of my sister Anne's loft.
Troon - nice wee Seaside resort in Ayrshire for those of you who haven't been to Scotland - golf fans will know of it though I'm sure....
Some giant cigarettes scaring the kids in George Square in Glasgow!!!
Glasgow City Chambers.
Chom Poo Moo enjoyed exploring the sites of Glasgow and meeting the famous lion of George Square....
I think this is the first time ever I have passed this statue of Wellington at Royal Exchange Square without a Traffic cone on his head - what is Glasgow coming too....
I caught up with Andy & Yvonne who were also visiting Glasgow when I was home and met Amber one of the many babies who came along whilst I was travelling. She was adorable and so good right up to the point I wanted a photo of her......
Chom Poo Moo gets inspected by the Beattie Boys - Ryan (top) & Kyle - she was very nervous that she wouldn't live up to their expectations as Ryan the Tigers replacement as they were his previous buddies.....but they were all soon good friends.
So I couldn't come home without having a 'cheesy' night out to Reflex - Glasgow's 80's bar - poor Stuart I don't think he realised when he said he'd join us for a drink that it would just be him and the girls (Alice, Jo and I). But a few beers and a slippery nipple (it's a drink!!) later he was happily strutting hiss stuff on the dance floor to Whitney Houston (there goes your street cred....).....oh and yes that is a Rubik's Cube on the roof ;-)
Next day it was lunch with Stuart & Seona and their two kids Emma and Euan - Emma liked Chom Poo Moo but thought she needed a bath (which she has now had - so good advice!!).
Carys & Amy - don't they look like butter wouldn't melt -not sure their mums would agree ;-)
The Marina at Troon.
Some little birds that like life at the beach town.....
Audrey came down to Troon with her little one Gabrielle and we took her for a walk to the beach and park - she happily played for ages wth Chom Poo Moo on the seesaw but her favourite was jumping in the puddles - who needs expensive toys???
Troon Beach.
My very empty house after my sister Anne and her hubby Billy came up and helped me dismantle the furniture and move it into storage. Seemingly now lots of people are selling up and can't get mortgages they want to rent unfurnished houses - so keep your fingers crossed that I will find a new tenant soon so I can travel a bit longer.....
So after all those lunches and dinners that I have been getting treated to I thought I better at least get a few short walks in whilst the rain was off so I went along Troon Beach and there was just hundreds of birds.
We might not see the sun in Scotland as much as some of the places I have been - but when it does come out not only is everyone a lot happier but you can see how pretty a country we live in - and of course I just love sunsets so couldn't resist..
The locals in Troon are pretty friendly as well - I ended up playing 'stick' with this wee dog for ages.
Amy at Troon Beach.
Amy showing how to do a 'rolly' - then she made me have several races along the beach - hopping and running - well at least I didn't fall flat on my face!!
Ayr Town Centre - I went for a wee shopping trip to stock up on a few things for the next part of my journey. Looks nice but it was bloody cold!!
Ayr River.
My Great Niece Chloe (yes it makes me feel old!!) meets Chom Poo Moo.
Chom Poo Moo meets more of the famiy - Yogi.....
My sister Anne, my niece Pamela and me.
Jamie my great nephew looking like the little professor!!
Pamela and her huby Stuart and there wee one Jamie (and of course Yogi).
A girls night out in Troon - Alice, Claire, Morgan and me - the best offer of the night (and for a long time) - a Swedish man who looked like ZZ Top!! And yes he was very politely declined ;-)
Seems to be some new dance moves introduced since I've been away!!!
Alice enjoying her Mother's Day present from Amy.
Just over three weeks at home - I have to admit the first week or so I was completely zonked - probably a mixture of the long journey home and stopping after 12 months on the road. Amy just thought I was constantly cold and tired (and she was right!!). But eventually I found some energy and have managed to catch up with lots of people (some of whom are on here), get the house sorted, catch up on some admin stuff and of course most importantly get my next flight organised.
Just over three weeks at home - I have to admit the first week or so I was completely zonked - probably a mixture of the long journey home and stopping after 12 months on the road. Amy just thought I was constantly cold and tired (and she was right!!). But eventually I found some energy and have managed to catch up with lots of people (some of whom are on here), get the house sorted, catch up on some admin stuff and of course most importantly get my next flight organised.
Has been great seeing everyone and I have to say thanks to Alice & Amy for letting me crash with them, Anne & Billy for helping with the furniture move and to everyone else for coming up to Glasgow/Troon (especailly those who came up from London) and all those who bought/made me dinner/lunch.
Right now I can't believe it is nearly 3am and I am up in a few hours to catch my flight to New York.....at least I will have plenty of time to sleep on the plane!! So I am of to bed.
So next update from the Big Apple.....
Bye
Jack xx
