happy mum's day and another "Forsyth" sighting

The next day, Sunday, was Mother's Day in Europe so we saw a lot of "I love Mum" or "To my mum" on cards, flowers, and this cake. I took a picture of it for my Mum to say I love you and happy early mother's day. If I could send the actual cake to you, I would. :)

We also visited an old cemetery behind St. Matthew's Church and saw some more street performers, this time with bagpipes and drums.

I found another reference to the "Forsythe" or "Forsyth" clan, though no "e" this time. Furthermore, the associations with this "Forsyth" are not at all legendary, shall we say, and in fact, edge on questionable. Sorry Grandpa. Probably not the legacy you were hoping to find left behind by our ancestors. Hmm... Any votes for the little zebra-print number on the left? I'm partial to the pink set myself. ;)

being good tourists...and I LOVE tulips!!

the many views of Perth

We found a cute farmer's market, some beautiful churches, and the main river running through the town. It was a very sunny day, hence the squinty eyes all around!

a day in Perth

This excursion actually took place two weeks ago on the Saturday before my weekend at Loch Lomond. Unfortunately, I got busy and promptly forgot to write a new blog post. Before I forget again, I'm posting the best of the lot now.

It was quite a lovely day. Lots of sun and blue skies! Jen Graham, my freshman year roommate and one of my flatmates for next year, came up from Germany (where she's studying at the University of Tuebingen (sp?) for the year) to visit me from Saturday through Wednesday. She was supposed to arrive on Friday night but her Ryan Air flight was delayed so she didn't arrive until Saturday morning, about 45 minutes before we were supposed to leave on the bus for Perth. We were rushed but we DID make it aboard the bus and headed off through the countryside, passing many sheep and cows along the way. Jen was exhausted and so slept most of the way there and back. But, the trooper that she is, she survived the whole day of walking around and we have some great pictures to document our fun times.

We walked around with a number of the girls from my JSA program. We had wanted to see Scone (pronounced skoon) Castle but, unfortunately, it is closed until later in the year. As a result, there wasn't tons to do in Perth besides walk around and take advantage of all the photo ops. The handy sign post definitely exaggerates the number of things there actually are to do and see in Perth! :) Our first stop was at a local cafe for some hot drinks and then we proceeded to walk around the town, eat lunch, and walk around some more until the bus picked us up again at 4pm. Thankfully the weather was perfect for strolling and taking pictures!

a view fit for day-dreaming

On a sunny, clear day, when the sky is blue, this is what I see when I lift my head from my books and steal a glance out the window. The first two photos are from the position of my usual spot in the philosophy library. It's always SUCH a temptation to stare out at the blue sea and day-dream rather than read about Rawlsian justice or Oakeshott's conservatism. The last three photos are of the different views out the bay window. The final one captures a far-away look at the West Sands (Chariots of Fire beach!).

my study space

A day in the life of Sally Elizabeth Forsythe...

No, that's not really what these next couple of posts are about...are you relieved? :) They will, however, give you a little glimpse of where I spend a lot of my time during the week. When I'm studying between classes (which is most of the day since I only have class for 1-2 hours, Tuesday through Friday), I usually go to the main university library or the philosophy library (where most of my classes are held). The pictures below show the inside of the philosophy library. It is quite small with only two big tables and a desk spread out between one main room and a smaller copy/computer room. Even so, it's a nice study space because it is very quiet and has a lovely view of the North Sea.

highland games, part 3: birds of prey and mysterious manors

highland games, part 2: Scottish flags and snow-capped peaks

highland games, part 1: pipers and kilts

the castle-hostel and its demon sheep

lunch at the Forth Inn in Aberfoyle