Arran, Summer 2015
 

Got this email from Mum this morning.
It's all booked, I'm going to Arran for my birthday to spend some time with Mr & Mrs Limey. A wonderful mini-holiday for me.

Thanks to all three - Mum for fares [thanked IRL] and the Limes for hospitality.
Please send all cards/ money/ birthday gifts there! Also care hampers if you want us to have an American Feast in your honour :drool::yesnod::lol:

I do hope to be able to cook some light nutirtious meals. Marinated chicken, salads, pulses and grains.
And (only assuming Limey is free) get to Machrie Moor to revisit Brianna's memory.

I have already promised Carruthers I will not take any heels. wedges or platforms with me. I might have lied. Depends if the Limeys say that want to take me out. I don't expect it of course. What I want is company, companionship and cats. And I always get those chez Limey.

There were many times I didn't think I'd see this birthday. Or rather that I did nnot want to. So although it's not technically a "special" one - ie it doesn't end in a 5 or a 0 - it will be special to me.

I didn't actually expect her to fund the whole journey. So I am immensely flattered that she thinks I'm worth it. She's told me she's spending my funeral money so I have to stay alive :lol:

No pics in this thread as yet obviously. But there will be.

That is so totally awesome!

And of course you're worth it, you numpty.

Do you want a mod to give this thread its proper title?
Sundae's Island Birthday Retreat Extravaganza
;)

:lol2:

I hope you all have a great time! Pet the cats for me.

Comedy GOLD.

Also, that's so cool, please have a good time and please take lots of pictures and please give my best to our cellar friends. I'm excited for you!

Quoted one more time because it's worth it (just as you are.) Tell your mom this line is funny as shit. Sounds like it will be a very nice trip!

The journey has commenced.

Sundae is on the first leg of her rail journey north and will arrive in Arran late this afternoon.

Just received from Sundae and posted on her behalf.
She's speeding North on the second leg of her journey as I type.

http://s21.postimg.org/f1lk9jtuv/IMG_0130.jpg

Another couple of photos from Sundae in the last few minutes.

The view of the Ribblehead Viaduct would appear to be more impressive than that from it.

From (just entering):

http://s4.postimg.org/bailzkri5/IMG_0133.jpg

Of (Google Street View):

http://s14.postimg.org/glmoedqa9/Ribblehead_Viaduct.jpg



http://s13.postimg.org/mujuqh0av/IMG_0132.jpg

Carlisle Station. Victorian architecture and construction and still going strong.

There's Sundae now on the ferry to Arran and looking very well.

http://s4.postimg.org/65vn6jznh/IMG_0134.jpg

The ferry strike is over as Limey said it would be, she must have spoken to M.

Carruthers, you missed your calling as the perfect gentleman's gentleman. Thank you, Sir. :notworthy

:notworthy

Thank you, Gentlemen. You are very kind.

Very nice!

She looks happy, I like that.

So happy! Looks like great fun!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

Wonderful!

I had a call from Sundae, safely in residence at Castle limey, yesterday evening.
All was well after a tiring day. I also had a chat with limey for the first time.
As the phone line wasn't too good, at least in my directioin, I suspect that some of my answers might have caused a bit of head scratching at the other end.
I'm convinced that I said 'no' when I should have said 'yes', and vice versa.
Anyway, no doubt Sundae will be along to give a report on her visit in a few days.

Well played C.

A couple of photos received in the last hour or so.

http://s24.postimg.org/axm2k33gl/IMG_0154.jpg

Sundae has captioned this 'Making friends on Arran'.

http://s12.postimg.org/c130rwshp/IMG_0155.jpg

There's quite a difference in temperatures in the UK this afternoon.
Here, about 35 miles NW of London, it's 27C/81F and 320 miles further North on Arran, it's 18C/64F.
However, it obviously hasn't stopped Sundae enjoying the day.

Awesome! keep 'em comin:)

I see I was too slow ... :)

It takes two of you to keep up with her. :haha:

The hair on her head matches the hair on her monkey!

I always wondered about that...:rolleyes:

I :lol:

Happy Birthday, Sundae!

I hope that you have great day! :birthday:

Happy Birthday Cherry!

Happy birthday, lady!

Happy Birthday hon!

Happy Sundae, Birthday!

Have a wonderful day! Happy birthday.

Once again the electric rays worked their magic and two more photos were received from the Birthday Girl.

http://s27.postimg.org/i469i8xr7/201...1_09_39_14.jpg

'Look who turned up to help me celebrate today'!



http://s17.postimg.org/8scrijob3/201...0_16_06_49.jpg

A slightly windswept Sundae enjoying her big day.

Happy post dated birthday!

Monkey? You mean the carpet matches the ape's.

DING DING DING DING WE HAVE A WINNER thanks everyone for your participation in this thread

Happy Belateds, SundaeGirl!

Tagline?

The Cellar: Where the carpet matches the apes

when we cooperate we all win

Sundae is now in her way home and I look forward to seeing her account of her Birthday Extravaganza here soon.

Sent by thought transference

So here I am; writing up again!

I left my packing until the last minute. My excuse being that I had things to do until the last minute. Mostly just slacking off. Although I did clean the rats' cage (oh I have two rats btw! but more of that in another thread on another day)

In the end I just flung about 90% of the clean clothes I could find in my brown "leather" bag to cover a range of weathers. I didn't trust the forecast you see. I was right not to. Anyway I counted on Limey to make up the shortfall, which she did. Just as well, because I managed not to pack toothbrush and toothpaste!

I'll try not to duplicate the photos I sent from my p[hone to Carruthers. But I trust you not to be too mad at me if I do.

Otley to Leeds and I realised I'd also forgotten my earplugs.
This was a disaster. I HATE travelling without them, listening to other people's yap and their constant picnics and the repeated tannoy announcements which I can never quite make out. That's okay Sundae, deep breath, you have a Boots giftcard [thank you Godfather Peter] you can buy en route.

Leeds bus station to Leeds railway station. MOG this bag is heavy.
So I didn't detour via Boots. So I suffered...
First train was from Leeds to Carlisle. No seat booked as it was only a two carriage train. I was pleased to be on it, as it was the first connection hit - yay me.

I was quite excited at crossing the Ribblehead Viaduct, but as Limey and Carruthers noted afterwards, it's more exciting from outside the train! The little stations are lovely though, and my book sat unread for much of this section.

Then Carlisle station, to change. Carruthers wasn't just posting my photos, he was also my support line. He looked up my changes, noted the platforms, sent me station plans, all so I didn't end up in tears. What an everyday hero.

I splashed out on a panini in the "bistro" on the station platform. It was so grim. When we ordered paninis on the station on our way to Peckham, despite the place being the size of a cupboard, they were put in a proper panini press. This was taken out of a plastic wrapper and microwaved, making it limp, soggy and too hot to hold. I felt brave enough to take it back. I still shudder when I think of it. The guy serving was SO unimpressed with me. \/\/hatever....

Carlisle station
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Neither of these passengers were yapping on.
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Onto an Intercity train for the next leg to Glasgow Central.
Seat booked.
Some bugger was sat in it.

This made me feel extremely uncomfortable. I could have asked him to move, but there were other seats available, and I would have had to sit with people who knew I'd made a fuss for the rest of the trip.

So I went and sat in a different seat, but I fumed internally.
It upset me. I know, I know - it's absolutely nothing in the scheme of things. And it wasn't personal - he may have been on the train since London, he may have simply misread his own ticket. This is all connected to my present inability to put things in perspective, that's all.

Anyway. This was the shortest and easiest part of the journey, so I didn't have to suffer for long. Less than two hours later I was decanted in Caledonia and back to a familiar station. Again, the changes allowed plenty of time, so I spent a little £ on a "thank you in advance" prize for the Limey's. Guess who forgot Mr Limey is (very successfully) managing diabetes :facepalm:

Glasgow Central to Ardrossan Harbour - the most familiar part of the trip (aside from the initial bus ride from home!)
I knew I had no worries here, although I did worry of course, as I had a large bag and what if the train was full and would people expect me to stand rather than take up an extra seat and I couldn't leave my bag in the luggage because it held all my favourite clothes and and and.

It was fine.

Onto the ferry, which I have already photographed a number of times.
Sat on the Observation Deck watching Limey come closer and closer. Arran I mean. I didn't really see Limey until we disembarked. And Mr Limey too. I was chauffeured back to Chez Limey to a roast chicken dinner. Nom nom nom.

True to form, I subjected the poor Limeys to my version of culture by making them watch a DVD. Not a horror this time - Limes still shudders at the mention of Utopia. I can't actually remember what it was now. Which is awful, I know. It would not have been high culture, I can tell you that at least :lol:

Lovely comfortable bed and cats and sleeps and tea and cake...

Next morning, cooked breakfast!
Every day in fact, cooked breakfast!
I don't think the Limes eat this every day. And in fact they were always healthy variations. But it was wonderful to me, who can go for five days without a hot meal.

And off we went to Arran Heritage Museum.
I was staggered that we [by which I mean Limey] had to pay to get in. I am spoiled by London, Leeds and even Aylesbury, where museums are fully funded and free. It was jolly good though.

There was quite a substantial and moving section on Arran's involvement in the World Wars. I wish I could do it justice. I know there are a number of people here in the Cellar who would have been fascinated. Even as a pedestrian observer I was interested.
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Ships featured too, obviously given this is an island.
It doesn't have the smuggler/ wreck connections of a place like the Scilly Isles (where the prayer used to be something along the lines of "save the souls of those who sail, but should they wreck, let it be here") but the maritime history is still strong.
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There is a Smithy, a room devoted to pre-recorded history, the Clearances, a recreation of various rooms of their time including a whole cottage (these islanders must have been teeny-tiny) and a geology exhibit.

[Withnail and I]

Sent by thought transference

Thank you!

In truth I remembered as soon as I had a chance to think.
Hiatus in my transcript and memory loss due to being bored senseless by someone who showed total disregard of the fact I was trying to use the computer, and regaled me with her personal history. Worse, because I've heard most of it twice already...

Anyway, back to the museum.
There were proper olde worlde farming implements, but I liked the look of the tractors more. Limes offered to take a pic of me on this tractor, but sadly it was infested with children every time we were together. I only caught this shot of it empty because for some reason everyone decided to come and look at the little schoolroom when we were in there.
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You couldn't sit on this one, but I thought it worth including. It still looks useful.
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A gorgeous, shallow pebble-based burn runs behind the museum.
I could so picnic there (except the tearoom... well, that's to follow)
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Waiting for my milkshake to bring all the boys to my yard.
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Sod it then. Here come the girls! Much more fun
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Our whole motley crew.
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And lunch. Wow. People come to the museum just for lunch and I can see why.
Carlisle-crap-Bistro-train-station-crappy could make a fortune if they sold this food, instead of the soggy muck they dished up.

When we arrived we were the only ones there, but apparently Tuesdays tend to be hit and miss. Limey says it's extremely popular. Not hard to work out why. Varied and interesting menu for such a small place. Table service with a smile. It's probably not licensed (didn't look) but you don't go to a museum to get lathered up anyway.

I went for the most boring and basic. But it was a million times better than the expensive club sandwich my Support Worker bought me in Leeds. Toasted mozzarella, ham and red onion.
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The Limes went for something along the lines of Coronation [curried] Chicken baguette. Both declared it very good. All made to order - Mr Limey didn't want cashew nuts on his, so he didn't have them. No peeling food out of plastic wrappers here.
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We were offered dessert. I said No of course. Then Limes read out the Specials from the board behind me and as soon as she said there was a strawberry pavlova I caved in like a meringue. It was delicious.
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Mr Limey demurred, but Limey had the Award Winning rice pudding. Well, it's award winning now, as Limey voted it the best rice pudding she's ever had. It was coconut, lime and... ginger? She will elucidate. Not my bag, but apparently a wonder of its kind. And I have to say it smelled divine.
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But when they came, they hogged the tractor so limey couldn't take your picture. :haha:

Kids, you can't kill them and you wouldn't want to eat them...



















I wouldn't have complained if there were beefy Scots farmers on the tractor ;)

The tour package from the Limey/Carruthers travel service is quite extraordinary. :notworthy

The museum (shoulda linked before) is just outside of Brodick. So we went there afterwards. It's the largest town on the island, and the main port.

I decided to linger, going back later by bus via Lamlash and Whiting Bay. Or vice versa.
In truth my photos might mix all three places up; I'm wearing the same clothes so I can only go by the order in which I took them.
If so, apologies to Limey and anyone who might happen in here who knows the island better than I do. It's not that much of a stretch; that's how we snagged Carruthers after all (that and saving my life has rendered him responsible for me in perpetuity).

Oh, Brodick is where I met the ape.
I was actually playing with a red squirrel puppet for a while. This chap appealed to me, and of course the match with my hair was noted immediately and I was requested to pose. Well, you only have to ask me once. Or not even. Then we left him behind.

oof. I could go for that mozarella ham sarnie.

More pics from the same day.

Horses on the beach.
I loved the tiny rider on the tiny pony.
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Holy Isle.
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This is the right way up!
Greenery growing in a wall.
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You have seen my backside, but this is nicerer.
An advert outside a cafe in Whiting Bay (I think!) showing what this place can look like when it's really Summer....
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Another wall shot. Holly! They need to get that seen to, it's a tree. Trees have a habit of wrecking masonry...
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And me, in case you forgot.
This is definitely Lamlash. I know because the seafront there is a bone of contention according to the Arran Banner (local newspaper). This expanse of lawn may not be there in thirty years time, due to erosion.
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And on to another day!
My birfday!! I was really very spoiled this year. I had a card from across the Atlantic which arrived on the actual day (a miracle of timing) as well as a little funding for the trip sent to my hosts - I'm sure they made appropriate thanks.
I also had a beautiful knitted collar/ scarf from Limey, some chutney from the cats and my ape!!! It turned out there was a little jiggery-pokery behind the scenes, and Mr Limey purchased said primate right under my nose.
Attachment 52318

Off to Machrie Moor to remember Brianna.
It was supposed to be hot as your hat, but on Arran the sunlight gave up and died about halfway through our walk. It was humid though. I took her a stone which was pretty much heart-shaped. There were more people around this year, so no poems or singing.

I had a quiet moment and I'm sure Limey did too.

It's not her grave after all, it's a public place.
But it's where I think of her resting. I'd give anything to have her there with me in person instead.
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Then off to Blackwaterfoot, to the Kinloch Hotel for lunch.
It was, in fact, the place Limey took me when I visited after hearing of Claudette's death. So I remember her there too.
This was a more pleasant occasion of course, although Mr Limey was feeling a bit crook - we assume just because of the humidity, because he perked up just fine in the end.

I had an open sandwich of vegetable ragu with chorizo.
The flavours were lovely, but I had assumed the bread would be toasted. If it was, it wasn't very well toasted, so by halfway through the bread was soggy enough to be a bit unpleasant. So I just ate the topping. Which was lovely in itself.
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Mr Limey had the Man Vs Food style large lasagne.
It looked and smelled amazing, although I could not have tackled it myself.
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Limey had a pot of mussels.
I had previously been tempted - I do love me some mussels. But they came in a Thai broth, which I was wary of. I like them as Frog intended...
She reported that they were very good; so good she didn't even touch the two bread rolls which came with it.
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No dessert this time. We all rolled out of there so full it would simply have been impossible.

We dropped of Mr Limey and then hoyed off to the nearest beach for birthday beach fun.
It was marvellous. Despite the greyed out skies and sea breeze it was still warm. Warm enough for a sundress and flipflops and paddling, and you can't ask for much more than that.

I pretended I was scared of jellyfish (I am, I just didn't really believe they were there).
And sea snakes and sea spiders. But really I just don't like the feeling of seaweed on my ankles. It makes me think of phlegm.
Limey was very patient with my silliness, whether she believed it or not.

I prefer to eat seaweed than have it touch my feet.
I'm sure there's something important psychologically there...

# It's such a perfect day, I'm glad I spent it with you... #

What a wonderful birthday.
Many thanks to all here (and not, but I've thanked them where they can access it) who helped. From good wishes, practical help, financial help and cards and presents and all. Never did find out who sent my t-shirt.
And obviously especial thanks to my hosts, who looked after me so superbly, and put up with all my oddities.

The Limes had to go out for something previously arranged, so I stuffed myself on remarkable artisan sourdough bread - made in Blackwaterfoot - local cheese and lashings of Schloer. I also stuffed my brain with really mindless reality television. If I want to watch something worthwhile I go to the library and watch it via the internet. If someone gifts me an evening of satellite TV on a large screen I consider it a free pass to the lowest common denominator.

I enjoyed.

I think the cats did too. Just for the record.

Off to Brodick the next day...

I admit I made a mistake.
I mentioned Crazy Golf in a fairly indifferent way. I even mildly disparaged the course I saw. Mr Limey admitted he preferred pitch n putt (which I loathe) so I let the subject drop.

I was wrong.
With two such genial hosts I could have pushed. Because the truth is I LOVE crazy golf. This is my only regret from my holiday; I didn't get to play in Brodick.

Okay, it's out there now, I don't have to mention it again.
But yes, it is eating away at my soul.
Pitch and putt.
Not my idea of fun.
Too hard to cheat and I'm rubbish at it.
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Crazy Golf.
Love it. Comes from the 'rents I'm afraid. And my bro and his wife have an ongoing competition waged around the world on these courses.
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Oh wait, did you forget what I looked like? Never fear... you're only ever a few posts away from a selfie. I have a note from my Mum which says I'm allowed to. (Actually it just says "Lovely photos, thank you" but that'll do, right?)
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And my hair absolutely does not look like straw. I mean when did you ever see lilac straw?

I went to Brodick early, on the bus. Limey was undertaking an heroic amount of work - squeezing it in early and late in order to make me a priority. The Limes had a treat in store for me later in the day, but I wanted to eat up all the time available doing and seeing things.

Also, I'm solitary by nature. Although I was not in any way distressed at being cheek by jowl with the Limes and cats, I was aware that having a houseguest 24/7 (and I was only one in a long chain) does have an impact on your privacy as a couple.

So that's why I went early, and met them later.
All I really did was wander, take photos, read in the sunshine, take photos and impress young Scotswomen with my hair. No, really. THREE people complimented me on it. One actually crossing the road in order to do so.

Anyway, enough about me. No, really.
Gratuitous shots of Brodick instead.
Go there, it's lovely.