Bye bye little car!

I loved my little car. I was so sad today to hand over her keys as we left the UK.

First, I want to give a huge thanks to my gorgeous cuz, Christine Angus for keeping it for me that extra six months. When we visited in 2013 with Age, we confirmed with her our 'secret' that we were returning the UK for an undetermined amount of time in the coming January . She and Roy quickly offered us OOT as they were upgrading. At that time Age and I were planning to return the Europe to live for a few years, so it was a perfect offer and so kind.

Things didnt quite go to plan, but the kids and I did keep our one way tickets and return in January...still to live for a few years...Its been such a blessing to us. Poor little thing just about doubled its milage - did nearly 40k miles in 12 months ( and 3 of those were when we walking the camino) 

We have had our ups and fowns.. A very scary crash in Wales where the insurance company wanted to scrap her.. Nooooo! A few hundred pounds had her up and tunning again - with a few beauty marks....

I was in such a quandary as to what to do with her when we decided to come back to Aus. I hate the whole selling behicles malarky and I really needed her till we left. Chris and Roy didnt want her back, so after a bit of thought, realised one of my younger cousins didnt have a car and had just started his first job. I think he was a bit gobsmacked when I offered him my car for nothing. But its made me glad to pay it forward - and have encouraged him to give a kindness to another person at some point. 

My little way of spreading world peace.. It may not be much, but every kindness encourages more. 

Hogmanay

FIRE!! There is nothing which screams to the primeval part of anyones psyche like a fire. We were fortunate enough to be invited to spend Hogmanay in Scotland and be taken into Biggar, who host a fire festival.

The roots of Hogmanay are a bit fuzzy but its believed that it ties in with the Norse celebration of  winter solstice among the Norse as well as incorporating customs from the Gaelic celebration of Samhain ( which is celebrated in various forms throughout the UK featuring fire).  Usually in Scottish villages there is a precession of fire bearers, a pipping band and fire ball swinging before the huge bonfire is lit and dancing begins. 

I found it interesting that traditionally Christmas was not celebrated as a festival and that Hogmanay was the more traditional celebration in Scotland ( though now with commercialisation its anyones game)

The day before New Years is spent cleaning the house spotlessly and ensuring that everything has been aired.

We went into Biggar to check out the huge bonfire heap which had been accumulating for over a week and I have to say it was impressive. Sat on the main street, tonnes of waste wood pieces and logs were thrown up higher and higher.  I've taken a shot of the kids in front of it for scale. 

A huge precession marched up the street to the sound of many bagpipes wailing their tune. ( an eerie sound - as there were no cheers - silence all but for the bagpipes and roar of the fire bearers)

Fire bearers nearly stood shoulder to shoulder around the fire and waited for the signal to lower their burning brand.

It went up with a huge WHOOMPH! and began crackling madly. I can imagine a few people lost eyebrows and eyelashes being so close. 

We stayed for a while to watch the flames lick high into the inky darkness; that is, until the smoke almost overtook us. We were soon blanketed in thick smoke and had to escape to the car to get away from it.  Great night though!

Happy new years one and all.  May the dark young man who steps across your threshold bring fortune, happiness and health to you and your family.

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Castlerigg Stone Circle is situated near Keswick in Cumbria and to my mind probably the most atmospheric and dramatically situated of any of the ancient stone circles.  So many people believe that Stonehenge is the only stone circle in the UK; which is mad; especially given Avebury is only 10 miles away and just as impressive.

Castlerigg is around the same vintage though, believed to have been raised in about 3000 BC during the Neolithic period.

We were fortunate enough to be there on a crisp beautiful afternoon, just as the last rays of sunlight burst over the snow capped mountains.  The light was incredible. Set high up on the hills with panoramic views of Helvellyn and High Seat as a backdrop, its a breathtaking spot to be.

It certainly has a powerful energy surrounding it; and I was glad to have been granted time to wander inside the stones and meditate.