AND, we're back.........

 Levi:  After a long journey, I have made it back to Michigan and am having a great time enjoying the weather and seeing my friends and family again. Since it's my second day back I will talk about the trip here.

   Funnily enough, we were moving houses in Scotland as well as having to pack, so we were juggling luggage here and there. What goes to HOME home and what goes to our new home. It was a lot of work and heavy bulky things to carry but we eventually got the most of it there and could focus on flights and going home. So the night before the morning we left we moved the last of our stuff to the new house and came back to pack and get ready to go to the airport at around 5 AM! After getting all our papers printed and sorted, we headed off and said goodbye to our 'used to be' apartment.    

Not even close to 30%

Loving the new sinks with built in dryers, that look like an airplane!

Funny coincidence, or cool AF plan??

(all captions provided by the Mama!). 

    We got an Uber and got to Edinburgh airport roughly an hour later and got in line in the baggage checking area. We had 2 bags to carry on and 2 to check. While we were in line we met this woman and her 16 year old daughter who was going through Dublin (as were we) but to Boston instead of Chicago. Her daughter was going to be flying alone for the first time and was a little anxious so we decided to lead her through the steps and help her out since she was taking the same flight as us. So we checked our bags and waited a while in front of one of those TVs that say what gate you will be at since ours said "gate number will be released soon" Once we knew our gate we headed over to it and waited another hour until boarding, we talked a lot and just hung out until we eventually got on and were in the air.

The Dublin airport felt like a slice of home!  It pained me not to get off there and stay a while! 

    One hour later the plane landed and we were in Dublin, Ireland, the place I had lived for 2+ years of my life. Of course we couldn't go out and see the city but I got to recognize the airport and its key aspects. After walking a bit we had to go through security checks and customs which the woman's daughter was a little worried about.

 (You may be wondering why I am not calling her by her name, but we actually didn't understand what she said when she told us and didn't want to make it awkward asking her name again after 3 hours...) 

So me and my mother went first and got through and started waiting a bit farther down for the girl to come through when we realized that after 10 minutes she hadn't come through and other people were. So we thought she got dragged into the security rooms and was being interrogated or something. We waited as long as we could, but she still didn't show up. 

    You would expect me to say she eventually did, but no. She never showed up and we had to go on our flight, I hope she's alright and didn't get sent all the way back to Scotland for some reason.

We didn't see this, but expect it is Jackson next time he travels!

    The next flight was around 8 hours and not much happened, except I got a 4 row of seats to myself so it worked as a great bed. I watched Ratatouille and slept a little, then watched something else I cannot remember and slept some more. And then we arrived. Getting off the plane in Chicago to see McDonalds and American food businesses was a great feeling because  I knew I was home. My mother and I got to the baggage claim area and immediately spotted our bags, which we snagged off the conveyor belt. Then pulled them out of the airport to meet up with my father who had driven all 3 hours out to Chicago to get us (Thank you🙂 ) 

ORD vs DUB/EDI - it was a world of difference

    The ride home was fun and it was nice to catch up with my dad and things, but oh man was the traffic terrible. The traffic alone probably added 1 hour on to the ride home, but I didn't care, it was worth it. 

Reunited and it feels so good.......

    After getting home I greeted everyone at my house and dropped my stuff off, then went over to my dads house to say hi to my brother, and collect the gift he got me for my birthday. (Some really nice headphones) 

    Overall the trip wasn't bad and I am glad to be back home.

-Lord Levi

(from the time he was 2, this kid ALL
WAYS reads the airplane safety manual!?!?)

From Lord Levi to Celtic Kitty

.......It's funny how two people can experience the same event in totally different ways.  TOTALLY!     Here's my take, the mom's perspective:

-STRESS STRESS STRESS!  Don't ever move house at the same time you are traveling to your home country.  While showing the current apartment, cleaning both places, meeting painters, engineers, new neighbors, and ensuring the long list of to-do's is done.  Setting up gas and electric at one place, remembering to shut it down at the other.  All while trying to travel during covid restrictions.  NEVER!  Heed my warning, and woe to those who don't.  I wouldn't wish this on anyone!

-We (read I)-(tho Lord Levi did help tremendously) stayed up until 2am cleaning the current flat, cleaning everything!  The uber arrived at 4:15am.  Note to self - hire this done next time!!  Or, don't have a next time!

-We ubered back and forth all week, with a load a day.  On the last day, we had to make two trips, yet we couldn't find a taxi to take us back and forth to the new house, finally getting one after an hour, at 10:30pm.  Note to self - why or why, do you have so much shite?    

-Thankful for friends that saved my sanity!  Aine for taking all of the food from my old flat refrigerator, to my new house refrigerator and setting it up.  

-Thanks to Mary, for hanging out at the new house watering my plants, handling the bins and hopefully christening the home with her yoga mat.  

-Also big shout out to Tim who drove all the way to Chicago to pick us up.  That was a MASSIVE help!  

Whew - it takes a village!  Glad ours is filled with dear souls to help us navigate it all.

So, overall, the flights were fabulous!  Not even a hiccup.  Lots of space, excellent service, empty airports (until we hit Chicago).  The travel couldn't have gone smoother.  

But, I do worry about our teenage Glaswegian girl.  My mom's soul was on high alert and did all I could, but damn those customs guys.  I do hope she made it to Boston, but I kick myself for not getting her phone number.

But alas, onward we go......

Will Greywing become an international cat?  

Will he grace the new house on Fergus Drive? 

Stay tuned.........  

The Scotland Squad may include a furry friend in it's future???

So this is all to say........WE'RE HOME!   Stop by for some pool time, or if you want to help pick weeds.  The opportunities are endless here at 455 College!  Can't wait to see you all and give you a huge hug! 

"she flew across the turbulent gust.  

Her eyes fixed, her wings strong

She flies and flies and flies along. 

To reach high, to open her wings to the

breathing (Michigan) sun rise."

Debatrayee Banerjee

 

The rental is mental!

I know that you all know it is a sellers market right now.  The houses in Glasgow are barely on the market and then going for 30% over asking price.  And it is already like Manhattan here where you get a really small place for your money.  It's completely mental and cut-throat as there is usually over 15 people bidding on each house.  

So you would think that the rental market isn't as bad, but you would be completely WRONG!  I have gone for apartment after apartment, and they are gone within days of them being shown.  argggggg....

I've told Levi from the beginning, that we would move before the school year next year, because I want to explore a new part of the city and find a bigger place.  He isn't as keen as I, often actually battling me on the subject......... BUT I am nothing if not determined, for I firmly believe, 'whomever is paying has the decision making rights!'  

After losing out on some nice flats, to the multitude of others vying for the same place, then crying with complete despair, (I'm not even kidding a little bit, they've been crocodile tears).

I am happy to report, I have finally succeeded in attaining a beauty.  Amongst all the others that were there waiting to view it at the same time right when it was opened for viewing.  One woman flying up from London for the day, to find a new place.  (it's competitive folks, but I've now learned the game and input some of my business skills, had the application submitted 30 minutes after my viewing, prayed to the gods - and walllah!)  

Again, it was an ugly cry, but this time in pure thrilldom and excitement!!!  

Here it is!

It is a duplex, which is what they call a Flat with a 1st and 2nd floor.  That's not a duplex, but okay!?!?  It's 3-4 bedroom.  2 full bathrooms.......and wait for it, if you knew how rare this is, you would be as ecstatic as me,,,,,AN AMERICAN REFRIGERATOR!!  With a water dispenser.  Oh jesus, take the wheel!!  

There is an actual utility room instead of the washing machine under the kitchen counter, and a real garden (which means yard).  Tho it is quite wee!  I'm just so thrilled to have a garden.  And the best part, after being in apartments, there is nobody above me, nobody below me - OH THE SHEAR JOY!!!!   It is attached on one side to another house (so it IS a duplex- go figure), but that is it.  And the location is perfect, 15 minutes to school, and 30 minutes to the city centre (think TKMaxx).  

Y'all - this is massively rare in the city of Glasgow where they originated the term tenements!  

I am stoked!

Third times a charm?  

Crazy color right!  But I'm actually loving them!  

If you well recall, the first place we had was a bloody nightmare, which lasted barely over a month.  The second one is a stunner of an art deco tenement complete with gorgeous ceilings, large bedrooms and single paned windows that act with zero insulation.  And a neighbor above who is losing his hearing and listens to German television CONSTANTLY.  Which means, we all listen to German TV CONSTANTLY!  I can't wait to get out of here!

This place also allows pets.  Wooohoooo!  And is unfurnished, which brings me great pleasure to both have my own stuff and stimulate the economy.  Win-win!

Oh my, I can barely contain my excitement!  To finally have a home here that I love, is music to my taurean ears.  I need to feel grounded, cozy & happy, and now it seems that I will.  

So with all of that said, come on friends, the welcome mat is out and ready for use!  

Presenting Celtic Kitty's Cottage  

And last but not least, 

Happy Father's Day Opa!  I know you are dancing a jig, in your tartan kilt, smiling down on me as I find my way in Glasgow.  Thx for helping me get the new house, I know you had a hand in it.  

Celtic Kitty over and out.  

PS - don't even get me started on the moving part........😫

I got a JOB!

What?!?!  

You heard me, a job!  

It's been a while so I'm nervous about working out the kinks.

I must say, that my favorite job still remains the one that I started at 11 years old.  That's how it went in my house, if you wanted those Gloria Vanderbilt jeans, then you worked for them.  Maybe this is why I barely care about name brands now, they aren't worth the effort.  LOL!  Okay, maybe sometimes they are, but really at this stage in the game, they aren't.  Black yoga pants aren't going to impress anyone no matter the name on them.  😂

So I have only been doing it a couple of weeks, but I am loving it!  I'm so excited just to be living outside of our flat, that I would be happy at McDonalds.  Okay, nope, I really wouldn't.  I worked there when I was 16 and that was enough of that fast food, greasy smelling world for an eternity.  It put me off for the rest of my life and I can honestly say, I haven't graced them with my presence since.  I think that is quite an accomplishment coming from an American and all.  But before I get all high and mighty, I must confess that with Taco Bell, I didn't fare as well.  I can't count the number of times I've been there since I was 16.  That and Mr Taco were certainly my go-to fast food vices.

But I digress....

Back to my new gig.  

I had to interview, supplied them with 2 references, underwent 3 hours of training videos.  All while wearing a mask.  Now that is something I never foresaw in my future.  Then awaited their decision.

And surprisingly, I made it through that grueling process and now you are hereby formally introduced to the newest volunteer for the British Heart Foundation.  Yup - the pay is non existent unless you count the camaraderie, feeling good about helping out the community, and an immense sense of value.  So I guess I mean to say, it pays quite a lot when you put it all in perspective.  

And you know what, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!  I love the women that I am working with and for, they are top notch individuals.  I love the clients that come in, and I'm beginning to love counting out change.  (though it still stresses me out and I practically BEG for people to pay by card).  

I mean, I haven't worked a till for quite a while.  I don't even understand all of the coins here since there are so many and the sizes don't match the amount.  That drives me batty.  But I guess it is the same in America.  The dime really should be larger than the $.05 in my humble opinion.  

Each week I get to go in on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, and serve the excellent patrons that grace our doorway.  I feel quite honored indeed.

So, this is the kind of work that I plan to do for a while.  The kind that makes you feel good.  The kind that doesn't care what Wall Street is doing or where your profit margin is.  The kind that matters to the community.  The kind that researches new ways to fight cancer    The kind that doesn't have a CEO breathing down your neck for more cost savings.   The kind that brings you joy and fulfillment.  Yeah - that kind of job!

So thank you Glasgow, for giving me this awesome opportunity.

Living is giving folks!  

Join me and volunteer somewhere, I promise you, it will make you happy!

Cheers,

Kitty Care-ins

The countdown begins by Lord Levi

 So it's been like 10 months since coming here and I get to go back home to the U.S later in the month, my school is starting to give us the end-of-semester tests and tying up loose ends. My mom said I should do more activities and extra things for my CV so last weekend I did the Duke of Edinburgh external activity with my friend Cameron. DofE is where they teach you a little about expeditions and camping. They started by training us and getting the 50 people into groups for the next 2 days. Since there is a whole pandemic and stuff they couldn't give us the full experience but they did what they could. So on the first day we did team-building activities with our groups, like this one game where there is all of the members of your group and one hula hoop and you have to get all your members through the hula hoop in like 8 seconds - we failed at doing it. So after, we did more of those type activities and ended the day with tug of war (which my team won) and it was alright. The next 2 days though were kind of uneventful but really cool, I got to explore Mugduck park and see all of its glory and vast beauty. Each day my team would walk around 10 miles around this park and see all it holds. It was pretty cool but really tiring. It was a great expedition and the DofE completion will look good on my CV so that's cool.

            The next day I had completely off so my mom and I  planned to walk to Glasgow Green. It is a park like 1.3 hours away from where we live. We left Monday at around 12:00 and walked all that way to get there. 

Once we got there the sunlight was gleaming and beating down on the smooth fields of trees and grass the park offered. We saw a lot of cool and pretty things there, its a great park!

 We found a nice shady spot under some trees and just hung out. Reading, laying down, and just chilling. 

This is the exit that we left through.

This is from the walk home.

On our way home we stopped at Big Licks ice cream store. It was my first time there and I have got to say, they have really good ice cream. I got cookie dough and it was probably the best ice cream I've had in a while.

    On Tuesday it was sports day and I went to school and immediately got on a bus to go to my schools playing fields.  How they do it is they say the events that will happen in that day and you say if you want to do it, then they mark you down for it and you do it when it comes up in the day. I did long jump, high jump, and javelin throwing, as well as a 100m sprint. I waited in the seating area for half the day because the events I did were all first and so I got a lot of time to just hang out and talk to friends. The first thing I did was long jump where you just jump as far as you can over some sand. I had never done long jump but I somehow got 5th out of my whole year group so that was something. The next thing was the 100m dash which I got 3rd in and then there was the high jump which I also got a medal for (3rd).  Then the last thing I did was Javelin throwing which was hard and I absolutely failed at. So overall it was cool and something new to do.

    On Wednesday, I had an Army day at Mugduck park again with my military group and funnily enough we did the exact same stuff as DofE; walked around for like 2 hours reading a map. Everyone in my group hated it. It wasn't all bad though because I got some more experience on reading maps and a very good exercise. 

    So these past times have been eventful and pretty fun!  I have roughly 2 weeks of school left and I am so ready to come back home.

Only 19 more days!

-Levi

Musings for a fine Sunday

You know what I just realized, JUST REALIZED, I love not having a car!!!  I know that my 16 year old self would cry out in agony, but my older self is loving it and embracing it fully.  I haven't even thought about it really before now.  I haven't worried about parking, or driving on the 'wrong' side of the road.  Stopping to get gas.  Oil changes.  Flat tires.  I haven't even thought I was missing anything that I used to have.  I haven't even really wanted to go anywhere beyond where I can walk.  (except to look at sofa's as you recall the other day, and I certainly learned my lesson there!) 

I JUST started taking the train and have only ridden it 3 times.  Bus very sparingly.  Taxis barely at all.  I love being able to walk to wherever I want to go, and that includes TKMaxx  (K for Kitty over here!).  😂  I can get to grocery stores, farmer's markets, pubs, parks, post offices, charity shops, schools and the library.  The list is endless, I mean what am I missing?  There is no Target here.  I can't even believe how much I have reduced my carbon footprint.  I simply LOVE this way of life.

Well I'll be gobsmacked, maybe I'll be European yet!

.....but I may have a while to go to 'become' Scottish.  

With masks and plastic dividers, this Scottish brogue is sometimes far out of my reach.  I finally got my hair done a full 3 months after my last appointment (sorry Sunny), and I was literally at a loss.  I chose a very local place in Partick which is the place where all of the used furniture shops are located.  It has loads of Salvation Army's, Goodwill's, and homeless patrons at the library.  It is where I frequent Poundland (think the Dollar Store).  It is on the fringe of nicer West End neighborhoods, but more hood and less West End.  

I seriously couldn't love it more!  

It is REAL, and Glaswegian to the core.  

Anyway, back to why I am there that day, with the hairdryers going, mirrors to bounce reflections off of covered faces and many women talking to each other all at once like familiar  friends often do ,,,,  I literally could barely understand every 4th word (and that is being generous with myself).  I teetered between shaking my head yes to pretend I understood what she was saying, and hoping like hell that if it were a question I could see it in her eyes.  I was panicking a little and tried staring at my phone to inhibit conversation.  But I couldn't focus, and my mind was freaking out.  

I asked my hair dresser three times what she was saying to finally understand her to say 

"What is it that you would like today?"  

OHHHHH, as I finally managed to eek out, right, 'a cut and color please.'  

Sheeesh, the trials and tribulations of a masked covid world with a Scottish brogue.

Did you know brogue does not only mean a strong accent, but also a heavy oxford shoe?  The things you learn when you can't spell and have to look it up on google.  I thought you should also know this neat little treasured meaning.  I'm going to try and find places to use this.  "Boys, go get your brogues on and let's go to the store."  

I am loving the language here, even if I can't (cannae) understand it half the time.  I gotta say, the women are easier to hear than the men.  They seem to not be as lazy with their tongues!  Or maybe my ears are clogged?  Or maybe my ear is just more tuned to the feminine tone?  Either which way, it is a lesson in listening hard, watching eyes for clues, and asking 'what' all the time.  

With all of that said, here are some of my favorite words and phrases from the Scots so far:

Curtain twitcher - aka Mrs. Green if you lived on Verlinden St. growing up - the nosy neighbor.  (I think this one is brilliant!)

Sleeping Policeman - traffic bump. (isn't that hysterical!)

'That's you then' - when you are done shopping and handing you the receipt

hen - girl or woman.  Everyone uses this one

cannae - cannot

Whit's fur ye'll no go past ye - what's for you won't go past you.  If it's meant to be, it'll be

Yer a chancer - you're pushing your luck

Heeeland Coooos - Highland Cows

Hiya - Hi Ya!  I have incorporated this into my daily speak

Dreich - dull, damp day devoid of light, warmth and colour 

Awe the best tæ yih,

Kitty of clan Cairn

ps.  thx to Karyn, one of my Weg's, who may not be as excited about me not having a car!  She has carted Levi to and fro these past couple of days to Mugdock Park for DofE.  Thx a million Karyn!

Weg - West End Girls - my posse

DofE - see future blog from Lord Levi himself

Lord Levi turns 15 & Kitty Crocker gets schooled

Last Thursday was my birthday as you probably know, and it was great. I woke up and headed off to school after getting my military uniform on and being wished a happy birthday by my mom. School was normal, nobody really knew it was my birthday so I didn't have to sit through the class singing happy birthday as I stand there awkwardly, you know the feeling... One thing that did happen that day was I found a Pepsi max on the floor unopened and kept it, sanitized it, and it was really good. Like a birthday gift from some mysterious force. After school was done I got to do my CCF army training where we exercised our knowledge of how to handle firearms safely and practice drills and stuff. I like CCF but it can be repetitive and boring. Reading maps for an hour isn't fun. Eventually I got home and as you can see below I had a great time opening my gifts and eating one of the best cakes I've ever had. I didn't ask for too many gifts because I am saving up so I can build my own desktop computer later. But of course my mother over delivers and gets me a fan, snacks and legal rights to be called a lord. Thanks again. It was really fun and a great day. Short and sweet!

-Lord Levi J. Glasser

 

Don't judge me!  He loved the wrapping paper!

Kitty Crocker gets SCHOOLED!

It dumfounds me that I attract 5 star chefs like moths to a light.  They must sniff out my complete incompetence, then come running to my rescue.  I am ever grateful as it has produced the 'best cake' Levi has ever tasted.  You might say it was a cake made for a Lord?!?!

So Effie, is one of the West End Girls, and she knows a thing or 100 about baking.  She is attempting to train me in these matters, but she may be in over her head.  She doesn't seem deterred though, so we embarked on the 4 hour journey.  Yup, you read that right, 4 hours (though there was a lot of gabbing in between).  We began the day ready to make a swiss-role cake, whipped cream for the inside and then the roulade on top.  Or is the entire thing a roulade?  Am I even spelling roulade correctly?  WTH is a roulade?  You can see the hopelessness she had to deal with!

We started with separating the eggs, which she had me do.  I've never been so nervous to mess something up right quick.  She buys ONLY the top notch ingredients (She does not shop at Lidl like me), and I was already daunted.  

But to my utter surprise, I passed with flying colors!  (can you believe the color of these eggs - no photoshop here)

We then had to 'beat the shit' out of the whites, her words, not mine, and they are not ones you would imagine she would deign to say.  I beat them so long, one of the beaters broke!  User error or faulty beater?  You be the judge.  

We then mixed up the cake batter, the recipe is 4 pages, small font, and she provided to me with a pen for note taking.  ?!?!?!  

Once in the oven, we went on to making the fudge for the frosting.  Is this the roulade?  

Effie has a PhD in the chemistry of baking (or something like that), so it got technical folks.  To the point of sifting all the dry ingredients from three feet above the counter to catch air!  What???  

Next up, I began beating the shit out of the whipped cream that we will soon add with crushed oreo cookies.  She let me do the crushing, but stopped me when she thought I was going too far.  (it is good for getting aggression out!)  

Another key point, do not EVER bang a spoon on the side of a bowl.  NEVER. I learned that one quick!

done

Once the cake is baked, it is put on a tea towel that is sprinkled with cocoa.  Right....who does that?

Now it is to be rolled, gently, before cooling and set aside to, how shall I say it, SET.  Note these are not my hands. 

I am terrified at this point.  How is this ever going to come out?

Yet with the deftness of a surgeon, it does. (after an hour sitting near the cool window)

It's a beauty to behold, but I am not holding or touching it.  I'm frankly worried about even carrying it home at this point.

Filling it all in.

At this point Effie shears off each side and unceremoniously throws the scraps on the table with a thwak to clear her baking spatula.  To which I, not being one to waste anything, pick them up and eat them!  OMG they are so good, that I begin licking the bowls!  

Now to top it off.  

Effie remarks that I should be doing this part, but we both laugh and laugh, and I let her finish her masterpiece!  

And Wallllahhhh - - -

The grand Finale!  It was almost too good to eat.  Almost......

Anyone else thinking what I'm thinking?  

I've got to say, that was the most fun baking I have ever had.  I did take copious notes, while sampling the creation along the way.  I am more impressed with Effie than I have ever been, and the bar was already pretty high.  Levi was thrilled as it was a cookies and cream cake that he wanted, and was so much better than store bought.  Not to mention what would have happened if Kitty Crocker was left to her own devices  (you remember the cake I made for Jackson right - it wasn't pretty!) 

And to make matters even better, Effie showed us what to do with left over 'frosting.'  Well you toast some hazelnuts, cut a banana, add a little golden syrup to the fudge, sprinkle it all over vanilla bean ice cream and dig in!

To the victor, go the spoils! 

Life is good with friends like these!    

Kitty Crocker 

the novice baker

PS.

I googled it...........   JFGI folks......

PPS.

Effie would NOT let me take a picture of her.  AT ALL!  I tried friends, but was unsuccessful.