Happy Thanksgiving!

Turkey Day kinda crept up on us here in Scotland. Without a day off work and a family get together on the agenda it's easy to forget these things. So we had chicken fajitas and I'm thinking about stuffing a chicken later this week - and perhaps having a coworker from New Zealand over to share in the feast.

But just because we forgot/were too tired to do thanksgiving dinner properly, it doesn't mean we're not thankful.

What am I thankful for?

A very considerate and generous husband who is currently doing the washing up.
Two good jobs and enough money for us to live comfortably.
Really amazing friends in both Canada and Scotland (and Liberia!).
Not one but TWO very loving families to miss.
The new issue of Living Etc just came out ;)

how 'bout you guys?

lazy sunday

Morning service led to all church lunch, a stroll through downtown and a mellow afternoon in the suburbs with our friend Ali - sampling some new bands and meandering along the shore of the River Dee.

The quiet day was a welcome break from my hectic Starbucks Saturday - the busiest of the year with me on the coffee bar all morning. I think I handled it with grace but I wasn't composed enough to stop and chat when Dean and Stephen stopped by for a latte.

Speaking of Starbucks, there are rumors floating around that when I put on my apron, it touches the floor. I assure you this rumor is entirely unfounded, though now that you mention it, it's curious that no one noticed my trousers were tucked into wellies at work all day yesterday ;)

Had dear friends over for dinner and chats last night. Entertaining in our flat really made Aberdeen feel like home.

While the cat's away...

Last night Dean was away at a work retreat so I had the flat all to myself. I'd like to say I took advantage of the quiet time by clearing the furniture and doing some yoga, or that I used it to transcribe interview notes that have been waiting nearly a month, or to thoughtfully handwrite letters to some of you.

But no.

I crossed the street to Morrisons and got myself a big ass bag of Tangy Cheese Doritos (leading cause of repulsive breath in the Regier household) and polished off Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Crawled into my big empty bed and was lonely for the three minutes it took me to fall asleep (compared to the usual 20). Glad Dean's back tonight, but sometimes it's just nice to sleep on your tummy with limbs spread everywhere and to gorge yourself on fake cheese flavouring.

cause. effect.

the sun came out. we went to the beach.

[Cruden Bay, North East Scotland]

the best ode to a woman we loved

My cousin (in law) Matthew wrote some beautiful words about our grandmother. They are brief and lovely, and worth a read for those who enjoy good writing, even if you've never heard of Gladys Smith.

Read them here.

over the line

I was puzzling about hip kids and how far you can justifiably take children's fashion? Angelina found the line and crossed it. Erm, matching Valentino bags? (via Glamour.)