"Have a grateful heart, and be quick to acknowledge those that help you."  It is with that quote in mind that I begin this journal on this, my third day in Scotland.  As I write this, I am currently in a small village about 10 miles outside of Edinburgh Scotland called Mid Calder.  If you have been following my journal entries to date, then you will know that upon my arrival here I was to finally meet a lovely lady named Amanda.  I first made contact with Amanda several weeks before this trip began, and she so kindly invited me to stay in her home while I was visiting Scotland while making various contacts for my travels.  The two of us quickly developed a wonderful relationship from across the miles, and apparently she felt comfortable enough to allow me to be her guest, and for that I am most grateful as our visit to date has been simply exceptional. 

The trip to Amanda and Edinburgh I must say was effortless for the most part.  I woke up in the Hyde Park room of the Pembridge Court Hotel at 7 sharp.  My flight was at 11:05 out of London Gatwick that morning.  Within the hour, I found myself with my luggage in tow, walking down the short street to the Notting Hill Underground station.  The station was not too busy as I recall.  This was in part due to the fact that London was playing in the world cup at 10.  Once again, if you go to London, be careful about relying on the tube to get around with your luggage.  It's a bitch going up and down the stairs.  The trip to the airport was quite quick.  I got off the tube at the Victoria Station and caught the Gatwick Express to the airport.  My passage cost me about 15 dollars and the trip took only a half an hour.  I checked in my luggage and then found I had nearly an hour until my flight.  So, with some time to kill, I just browsed the stores until it was time to board my the plane.  (if you need to get around in Europe, I strongly suggest you check out www.easyjet.com .  I was able to get a flight for only about $50 dollars, but I had to pay for my baggage which was in excess of the allowable weight.  (about $30)  Once on board, I knew it was only an hour or so until I finally would meet Amanda.  Was I nervous?  I'd be lying to you if I said no.  I was about to meet a girl with whom I had been carrying on long-distance phone conversations with for the past month or so, as well as countless emails.  On the plane, I kept trying to put our visit into its proper perspective.  Of course I thought, it would be nice if her and I would develop a romantic interest with one another.  But, in the event that didn't happen, I told myself, just having the opportunity to meet and stay with someone from the local area would be such a fortunate experience in itself.  I guess the one thing that most concerned me was that I might not find myself being physically attracted to her, but she to I.  (or vice versa for that matter)  With that thought in mind, I heard the captain announcing our arrival in Edinburgh.  Here we go I told myself as I gathered my carry-on luggage and the single red rose I had bought in London for her as per Teatske Ann's advice.  Coming off the plane, I kept scanning the plethora of faces waiting there in the airport.  No Amanda.  Hmmmm I thought, maybe she will be by the baggage claim.  Like a herd of cows headed out to pasture, the group of us departing the plane headed to the baggage claim area.  Once there, I was somewhat disappointed to not readily see Amanda waiting for me.  I knew that it would only take one look into her eyes to establish any physical attraction I may or may not have for her, and the anticipation was beginning to grow heavy on my mind.  I saw my bags on the conveyor and within a moment of the same, they were on my cart and I was ready to go.  Now, where in the world was Amanda?  Perhaps she saw me get off the plane and I had scared her off.  What a silly thought I realized, as surely she was there somewhere.  Then I saw her, sitting on a bench not too far from the carousel.  When she saw me, she quickly got up and came over to me and we embraced one another.  I must tell you that as good of a memory as I have, I can't recall hardly a word we said to another.  (Doc, are you enjoying this?)  Then, totally unexpected, she kissed me.  And I mean kissed me.  I would have to say that at that moment, I knew I had no more worries regarding any of the before mentioned concerns.  I thought she was beautiful. 

We found our way out to her car, and soon we were speeding down the road to her home, not too far away.  We stopped at a framing shop on our way to have a photo framed for her work, only to find the picture had gotten torn.  Fortunately, she had another copy at her work, so we raced over there and back to the frame shop before heading to her home nearby.  She got me settled into her home before she needed to return to work.  I might tell you that it was hard for her leave me and return to work though, as we seemed to be enjoying one another's company so much.  But, obligations she had and back to work she went.  I spent some time settling in after she left, and decided to brave the elements outside and walk into the village.  Although the walk in took about 10 minutes, once I got there, I was able to see the whole village in less than 2 minutes.  There were a couple of pubs and restaurants, a beauty salon, and a post office.  Other than a handful of other businesses, that was it.  Simple I thought. 

When I got back, Amanda was already home from work.  We decided to go out to the market for to get some dinner.  The drive there was about 15 minutes.  The store, soon to be a Wal-Mart, was beautiful.  They had literally everything.  As we walked the aisles, I couldn't help to marvel at how comfortable I felt with Amanda.  Our conversations were filled with joking and laughter and came quite naturally.  We finished our shopping and returned to her house.  Some how or another, I found that it was me that was to make dinner.  So, slave away I did in the kitchen, making a nice pasta dinner for the two of us.  When prepared, I thought we would sit down to a nice candlelight dinner and gaze just gaze into each others eyes, exchanging all kind of pleasantries and stories.  Well, apparently the new season of Will and Grace was on the "telly" about the same time, and as nice as the dinner and company might of been, Amanda just couldn't miss her show.  So, just like so many Americans, there we sat with our lovely dinner, in front of the television.  Quite romantic I must say - not.  It was ok though I thought, as I was just so comfortable with everything.  (Please keep in mind that as I type these words, Amanda is looking over my should scrutinizing my every word ;-) )  We spent the rest of the night - with the television off - sharing stories and cuddling with one another if you will. 

The next morning was very relaxing, as we slept in until nearly 10 o'clock and then headed off for our day which would include a visit to St. Andrews and then to a small dinner party at one of Amanda's friend's home.  We stopped at a local store to get some Haggis for dinner.  For those of you who don't know what Haggis is, let me tell you.  It is a sheep's stomach filled with the various insides of the sheep, such as its lungs and other organs, added with some spices.  I had told Amanda it would be nice to try this (believe it or not) while I visited her.  So, as with all of my other requests, my wish was to be granted.  (she is such a sweetheart!)  The drive to St. Andrews took us past some lovely scenery, most of which were vividly green fields with either sheep or cattle grazing away. Once in St. Andrews, we parked our car and spent about three hours walking along the streets and beaches.  We ended up in a small pub and had some wonderful laughs with some lovely -quite drunk - old ladies.  After taking their picture, I asked if they had a computer and one candidly replied, "Oh yes, but I only get channel 4!"  Amanda found this to be quite funny, as did I.  With our visit to St.  Andrews complete, we headed back to Mid Calder.  I had failed to locate a tartan (a piece of woven cloth with pure wool, with a checkered pattern for a particular clan)  for my mother who has always wanted one from Scotland for our family clan, The MacMillian Clan.  I did later jokingly call my mom to tell her I could only find her tartan in a lovely pair of underwear. 

We got back to Amanda's home with enough time to relax for awhile before we got ready to go to our dinner party.  Once refreshed, showered, and dressed, off we went to her friend Lee's home.  I had heard so much about her friends and was quite anxious to meet them.  Joining us for dinner would be two other friends of Amanda's and Lee's, Susan and Neil.  Amanda seems quite fond of them, and after spending one of the best evenings of my trip so far, I could only feel the same.  When we arrived at Lee's home, I was taken aback by it's beauty.  Once an iron-mill, it had been converted into two homes by two brothers.  Adjacent to a large park, the home was set in the most tranquil and serene of settings.  A rushing river could be heard off in the distance.  Amanda and I arrived before Susan and Neil, and we had a nice chat with Lee.  I should of course mention that the home was that of Lee, her husband Walter, and their 19 month old baby who was fast asleep.  Lee's husband Walter was in the Netherlands and would not be able to join us.  Just as Amanda had told me, Lee was beautiful.  A very natural beauty I might say at that.  Had I not been told, I never even would of known that she was 6 months pregnant.  Soon, Susan and Neil arrived and we found ourselves sitting down to such a wonderful dinner, filled with great food, conversations, and laughter.  The dinner included beef, stuffed onions, asparagus wrapped in bacon, haggis, and a great dessert.  Afterward, we sat out on the deck having coffee and just sharing stories of one type or another.  I couldn't of asked for a nicer evening.  And, as I might both hope and expect Lee, Susan, and Neil to be reading this, I want them to know how extremely grateful I am to you for such a great and memorable evening - one that I will treasure for ever.