October | 2009 | bits 'n bobs

Archive for October, 2009

Two bits

Posted in Uncategorized on 14 October 2009| 3 Comments »

Well, based on the comments and hits on Jackie’s last post, it will be tough to offer anything as interesting. So, here are two random things of (potential and/or marginal) interest from Edinburgh.

Random #1: This week the University of Edinburgh will honor musician and activist Annie Lennox with an honorary doctorate. Lennox is renowned for her solo stuff but also for her work in the group Eurythmics. If you like her music and you appreciate the causes she’s advocated, then maybe this honorary degree is well-deserved. Maybe. But who buys a CD or goes to a rally because the musician or speaker has a doctorate? Earlier in the year the university recognized Archbishop Desmond Tutu with a similar degree. I actually caught a glimpse of the archbishop as he paraded through the New College courtyard to his chauffeured Jaguar sedan…yeah, my touch with fame! But Archbishop Tutu has at least been a part of change that is hardly controversial. He helped combat apartheid in South Africa and has worked tirelessly against social injustice. But Lennox? Well, she’s made some good music and sold millions of records and supported rights for certain members of society. But a lot of people have done that. Next thing you know an American president is going to win the Nobel Peace Prize after nine months in office and a lot of great promises. Oh, wait…

Random #2: Old issues of LIFE magazine are available at books.google.com. Ok, so that’s not a phenomenon limited to Edinburgh, but I discovered it last week and have been periodically amused by the old advertisements. Here’s one I came across today, not at all the most interesting, but it gives a taste of what’s there. I wonder how silly today’s ads will seem in 40 years!

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Running Errands

Posted in Daily Life, Pictures on 2 October 2009| 11 Comments »

Yesterday I had an errand to run across town and just for the fun of it, decided to take my camera along. We don’t generally think to take the camera with us for the simple reason that most of our days are just normal, daily grind sort of days. We go to the grocery store, church, school, to visit friends and on other unglamorous errands. But yesterday I was realizing that it would be a shame if when our time is done here, we have posted mostly pictures of special occasions or our trips away from Edinburgh and not of the beautiful city that we see every day as we go about normal life. So, these are just a few shots of Edinburgh, taken while out and about yesterday. I realize it’s uncharacteristically long, but I hope you enjoy the pictures.

The journey begins--just leaving Edina Place. And, no that's not our convertible Saab.

We found a wee Julian-sized castle just down the road. Actually, it's Queen Mary's Bathhouse outside of Holyrood Palace.

Up the Royal Mile and past Greyfriar's Kirk. At this point Julian got tired and decided to catch a little nap.

No such luxury for me. We had at least a mile to go.

And so we trudged on. The steeple in the distance is actually near our destination. Yay!

Aha! There's that steeple up close. Our destination was right across the street.

Mission accomplished. As you can see, the stroller has taken on new cargo. (In case you're curious, we were buying a second-hand play pen from someone online.) But, where's Julian gone?

Now it's time we headed back home (Edinburgh Castle in the background).

Oh...there's Julian! It was quite an intricate arrangement!

Passing George Heriot school. We nearly broke down and caught a bus at this point, but where's the fun in that?

Towers? Or are they spires?

Looking down the road toward Grassmarket. The bus was looking better and better. That play pen was a little heavier than I expected. Or maybe Julian's put on a few more pounds...