pink and grey

There is something so poignant about those first brave signs of a northern spring, when the cold winter greys blush with the colors of a new season.

Here in Washington, the cherry blossoms have come and gone, the redbud too ~ and the lilacs have made an appearance. Yet, I am still sorting through my photographs from Scotland, fascinated by the subtle blue and grey hues. Spring is calling however, and I should forge ahead. So, next week: wisteria (and lots of it).

xo

chasing the blues

Blae, the Scottish word for blue-grey. The coolest of all colors.

A very happy Easter to those celebrating this weekend. And happy spring to all!

isle of skye, part 2

The colors of Skye: mossy green, salty blue, silvery grey, peaty brown, with a touch of mustard yellow and purple heather. In other words, Harris Tweed.

Some of our favorite goodies from Scotland:

* oatcakes

* wool

* tartan

* single malt whisky
* and a few curious characters

Cheers all!

isle of skye, part 1

Several months ago, while in the planning stages for our Highland adventures, my father called me up. "Why Skye?" he asked. I admit that I was somewhat perplexed about how to answer at the time; it was just one of those places I knew we had to go. But when we crossed over the Skye Bridge and took in the magnificent vista ahead of us, I said: "Dad, this is why."

P.S. That third photo is for Blue.

the highlands, part 2

Driving through the Highlands, feeling the vastness of the land and watching the clouds descend over the mountains, is a truly humbling experience. From Glencoe to the famous castle of Eilean Donan, we watched out the car windows in silence as the magic of the landscape revealed itself. More than once we remarked that photographs can't do it justice. And yet we tried anyway, hopping out of the car at every opportunity.

This time I spent with my husband and my parents was truly a gift. We are good travel companions, the four us. Each giving the others the space to wander and explore on their own, always coming back to the fold for a hot cup of tea, a wee dram, or a good meal together. We talked of nothing and everything. We tramped through mud and moss, felt the grey mountain mists on our faces, and lingered over warm wood fires. Two gentlemen explored that nectar of the Highlands known as single malt whisky, and two ladies sipped French wine while they did it. It was all just right.

the highlands, part 1

Honestly, there are no words. Have you ever been so moved by a place that it makes you want to cry? The Highlands of Scotland are like that.

More on flickr, with even more to come.