Friday, 6 April 2018

National Tartan Day

Who ever heard of a National Tartan Day?

Of course- as soon as I read about it, I thought of our own TW. Upon further research, I discovered that it had nothing at all to do with TW! 

National Tartan Day originated in New York City when the mayor, Ed Koch, declared July 1, 1982 as Tartan day, a one-time celebration of the 200th anniversary of repealing the Act of Proscription (August 12, 1747), which had forbidden Scots to wear tartan.  Then in 2004, the National Capital Tartan Day Committee lobbied US House Representatives to designate April 6 as National Tartan Day, a day which was adopted on March 9, 2005.

SCOTS FORBIDDEN TO WEAR TARTAN! OH NOES!!
I think TW would agree that repealing the Act of Proscription is indeed something to celebrate!

So here we go...! Please concentrate on the tartans... nothing else. ; ))



Q- perhaps we can invite this guy to the next party? He looks like fun.

This one is for TW.  (Credit: Tantalizing Tuesdays)
From TW's private collection.



Can you guess which one is the TRUE SCOT? Watch the video to find out.



                                                       
Fun Fact!
  • Rachel Walker holds the Guinness World Record for wearing the most Tartans within 60 seconds.  Walker managed to put on 4 kilts within 60 seconds.

As I was looking for photos, I started to think about my own history. 
I have one Irish grandmother, and 3 Scottish grandparents. 

My mother was a Campbell. Historically one of the most powerful of the Highland clans. The Campbells were known for their brutality and cruelty. Apparently to this day in many Highland villages, there are signs in restaurants, inns, and pubs that state: "We don't serve Campbells." Luckily only one of my grandparents was a Campbell. 



My father was a MacClennan.  We had a large stained glass window in our house with the following motto. While I breathe, I hope.  I like that.  I think my MacClennan genes are winning out over the Campbell genes. 



Happy National Tartan Day Everyone!  GO PLAID!


Thursday, 5 April 2018

Spring, we are waiting...

I know many of us have been dealing with a cold , rainy, and yes , snowy spring so far.  The temperatures in my area look to be nasty for the next week.  As I cook yet another pot of veggie soup to ward off the chill, I keep thinking of the things I enjoyed last spring and summer. Sunny days, gardening, and of course grilling out.  Cheers to spring arriving soon !


         





Tuesday, 3 April 2018

Les Tours de Merle

I miss France and decided to take a little tour of a fascinating place in the south of the Corrèze. The fortress was considered impregnable, but history intervened and parts of it fell in the wrong hands for a while. The lords of Merle prevailed, eventually.
This is from Wikipedia:
The Tours de Merle are the ruins of a castle in the commune of Saint-Geniez-ô-Merle, in the Corrèze department of France. It was a feudal fortress from the twelfth and fifteenth centuries, which was subject of a classification as a historic monument since July 30, 1927.
In the fourteenth century, Merle included seven castles, two chapels and a village, owned by seven noblemen from Merle. 
During the Hundred Years' War, the English took one of the towers and a castle in 1371.
In 1574 the Calvinists took the citadel, where they established a garrison, they were driven out two years later by the co-lords. But the fortress was abandoned by those who preferred to live in places that were more pleasant and certainly more accessible.

















Monday, 2 April 2018

HAPPY MONDAY !

 I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend ! I know many of us enjoyed time with family  and friends. It's back to reality today - Monday morning !  It's the little things that count, so enjoy your coffee, spend time with your pets, talk to a friend, or enjoy the outdoors.  💜




         Or perhaps these are more appropriate .......Either way, have a great day!





             Thanks to my son for his help !!!