Sushi Making Class

Date of this event: April 15, 2013

After hearing about my new found sushi making skills, a few friends asked me to share my sushi making techniques. After practicing at home and having James as a taste-tester, I felt confident enough to teach some sushi making "classes."

The AWA (Association of American Women of Aberdeen) has a group of ladies who get together about once a month to learn some new cooking skills. I offered to be the teacher for April in order to teach them what I know about making sushi.

Unfortunately, I don't have any photos of the pre-rolling preparation. Here are a few ladies practicing their rolling skills.

Pam slicing her sushi roll 

Cynthia about to taste her first roll

KrisTina enjoying her sushi

Pretty impressive for first time sushi chefs!

Well done, girls!

Two Years Together

Thank you for the blessing it is to live life with you. 

Thank you for the way you lead me toward the Lord. 

Thank you for the joy you bring me every day.

Thank you for being an adventurer with me.

I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us in the many years to come!

 Happy Anniversary, my love!

River Dee Walk

Date of this walk: April 14, 2013

James and I decided to go out for a nice walk along the river Dee on a lovely Sunday afternoon.

Noticing that the water looked a little high, we continued down the path wondering where our walk would take us.

About ten minutes into our walk along the water, our path was submerged by the river.

James trying to find an alternate path through the brambles

Several feet of the trees covered in water

After a bit of a scramble through the bushes and trees to find a better path, we decided to give up and head back up to street level. We were able to take a close look at these interesting trees on our way home. 

They look quite nice from afar, but upon a closer inspection, I would not advise touching any part of this razor sharp tree.

 Better luck next time?

Dunnottar and Burn O' Vat with the Halls

Date of this adventure: April 3, 2013

Unfortunately, this was our last day with the Halls so we packed in as much as we could.

We started the day by visiting Dunnottar Castle.

"Dunnottar Castle was home to one of the most powerful families in Scotland, the Earls Marischal, from the 14th century when Sir William Keith, the 1st Earl Marischal, built his tower, also known as the Keep."

"The name Dunnottar stems from the Pictish word "Dun" which means hill fort or place of strength."

While Anne and Brad went in Dunnottar, James and I took some time to explore the neighboring beach.

Continuing on the Deeside, we stopped for a quick photo at Crathes Castle.

River Dee in Banchory

Loving the Highland Cattle

When we have visitors, we try to fit in at least one new activity along with our favorites. Earlier in the year, Nary recommended that we visit Burn O' Vat. James and I thought that while we were showing Scotland to his parents would be the perfect time to visit.

Heading toward the Vat

After an easy hike up and down a small hill, we came across this formation of stacked rocks. 

Then, we crawled through here. (The hole is actually bigger than it looks.)

Entering Burn O' Vat

Around 16,000 years ago, the area surrounding Burn O' Vat was covered by a glacial ice sheet. As the area warmed 14,000 years ago, the ice sheet began to melt, resulting in a torrent of melt water that carried with it debris previously caught up with it in the glacial ice. This debris, consisting of rocks and boulders, is thought to be the most important component of Burn O' Vat."

"Formed after the last ice-age, the Vat has been a popular attraction since Victorian times and has a long history as a hiding place for fugitives."

James doing a bit of exploring

Icicle hunting

For more information about the Burn O' Vat walk, click here.

Tomnaverie Stone Circle is a 4,000+ year old recumbent stone circle that is peculiar to north-east Scotland.

"Seen from the centre of the enclosure, the two half pillars command a view of Lochnagar, nearly twenty miles away. They would have also provided a view of the full moon around midsummer at the limit of its movement across the sky which happens once every generation. The site was reused for cremation burials around 1000 B.C."

Anne enjoying the breathtaking views of the countryside from the stone circle

It's always a good idea not to leave the marked path...

Thanks for visiting us, Anne and Brad! We had such a wonderful time with you all in Scotland!