Moving slowly this morning after being up too late watching election results. Though the results in the Senate and in some gubernatorial races are disappointing, and Beto O’Rourke came SO close to upending the reptilian Ted Cruz, the results in the House are cheer-worthy and boy, did we cheer last night! Record numbers of women elected. The first two Muslim women to be elected. Openly gay candidates elected. And Democrats control the House.
Change is coming. Actually, it’s here. This is the beginning of a change that reflects what our country really is. And it’s ultimately unstoppable. It won’t change overnight, but it will change. This is what the old white guys in the House and the Senate are trying to stop, but, in the end, it will prove fruitless.
Most importantly, we have a check on Trump. He will no longer be able to do whatever he wants with no oversight from the members of the House, who have been ignoring their duties as elected representatives for all the people for the past two years. Though Trump will predictably try to paint it as a win, it isn’t. And it certainly will give Mueller a House that will protect his investigation and who will be ready to move to impeach, if that’s what is indicated.
In our district, much to our delight, the candidate who was running against the Republican, who is funded by the NRA and who has held that office for several years, won! We are thrilled. We had deliberately tried to temper our hopes on that race. When the results were announced, cheers were ringing throughout the cottage.
And to my readers in Wisconsin: Scott Walker is kaput!!! Hallelujah!
Let yourself enjoy the results. Feel hope again. And go Mueller!
_____________________________________________
Okay. On to Edinburgh.
We took the train to Edinburgh, a four and a half hour journey that was quite lovely. It was a sunny day and we sat on the side of the train that would show us the countryside and, when we got to the border, the water.
I think we got these on the train and we are now Nuts for Ginger Nuts. Much more of a taste sensation than ginger snaps. (We actually ordered some from World Market and they arrived the other day. We’re hooked.)
Views from the train:
A castle in Durham. There’s also a gorgeous cathedral but I couldn’t get a good shot from the moving train.
We arrived in Edinburgh, took a cab to our hotel (more on that fabulous place tomorrow) and settled in. It was in the area of Edinburgh called New Town, which is quite old – just a bit less old than Old Town, where I stayed when I spent two weeks there in 1991.
We walked toward Prince Street Gardens and the street that would take us to the Royal Mile in Old Town. It was unbelievably windy. And it stayed windy throughout our visit. It was rather shocking after Paris and London, and since Edinburgh is much hillier than London, trudging up and down cobblestoned roads in the wind was rather exhausting.
Knowing we had less than 36 hours there kept us going, despite the winds.
That’s the castle in the distance from the gardens.
My memories of Edinburgh from my other visit were of beautiful old buildings, the castle in the middle of town, the color of the stones used in the buildings and the light. And it proved true again. Don was completely entranced. There is no other city like it. That is St. Giles Cathedral. We’re headed uphill at this point working our way to Edinburgh Castle.
It was late in the day and yours truly kept running into every shop looking for a hat.
It took a while, but I found one.
The view from just outside the castle. The wind and weather made for a spectacular sky.
That’s Arthur’s Seat off in the background.
The light.
Don in front of the castle entrance. I kept encouraging him to buy a hat.
He fought it for a while.
The changing sky over the Castle.
James Boswell and Samuel Johnson met at this pub. I took a course in Boswell and Johnson when I was (briefly) pursuing a Master’s Degree in English Literature.
I found a hat for Don that he initially resisted, but now wears every day. He gets compliments.
Harris Tweed. And it keeps his head warm!
Heading back down toward St. Giles and the hotel, where we had the best dinner of our trip.
Tomorrow, our full day in Edinburgh.
Happy Wednesday.
Oh thank you for sharing your trip! I look forward to reading about it every morning. And as for the election last night…..lots of cheers from this Indiana household too! Some disappointments but for the most part, a very good night. Also, I like your hats. They look very nice and warm. My husband wears a hat similar to Don’s. I love it. Take care and have a wonderful day. I will be mowing the yard for the last time this season (YAY!!). We have a big yard…..takes all day with both of us on tractors. It’s cold, windy and my asthma and allergies are already in an uproar…….ought to be interesting.
Yes, I understand. Mowing and allergies go together here as well!
Scotland is so very beautiful, not just the land itself, but the whole country. And very windy!
I have cried repeatedly this morning over Beto. Being born and raised in El Paso myself really hit me hard. I do hope he keeps going. If he runs for President, I will do serious campaigning for him. We need him in this country! Personal opinion.
Hope you both have a wonderful day.
Heartbreaking defeat but the fact that he came that close to besting Cruz – in Texas! – is a big deal. He’s headed for political stardom, that’s for certain.
I wonder if ginger nuts are like the biscuits I like from Australia? If so, I will need to head back to Costplus some time soon!
I don’t see a successful impeachment on the horizon with GOP owning the Senate, but at least the healthcare system will now be safe.
Oh and Durham! Stayed there some many years ago. In a castle!! I don’t think it’s the one you saw from the train, but it was really cool.
I think Edinburgh is windy all the time :)
We don’t know what Mueller’s investigation will reveal, though I have a pretty strong idea, and when that all comes out, impeachment may happen. Or he’ll resign in shame.
I was in Edinburgh the first time in August and I don’t remember it being windy. Maybe it depends on the time of year.
Beautiful pictures Claudia
Both my children did their Masters degrees in Edinburgh-a beautiful place to live and study
You both look awesome in your hats
Delighted that the US elections were so anti-Trump, and wonderful that women are seeking and winning political office
I have a lovely recipe for Ginger nuts if you would like it
Siobhan
I think I’ll just enjoy the cookies without having to make them! I have some molasses cookies I make which would be a nice partner for Ginger Nuts!
That hat looks terrific on Don! My Dad used to wear lots of hats, fedoras in the daytime to go to work, and newsboy hats, similar in style to the one you bought Don, on the weekends. My Dad’s love of hats has skipped a generation, but now my daughter has a love of hats, her current favorite being the woven hat she bought in Madrid.
A little of the weight I felt from the past election has lifted a bit due to the results of these mid-term election results. Though I do have to say that I don’t understand the need for the Daylight Savings Time measure.
I like hats and have worn them quite a bit over the years.
I personally wish there was no time change. It’s irritating, it throws too many people off and it seems ridiculous nowadays!
Beautiful! A wind scrapes everything so clean. Of all the places I’ve seen him in, for some reason Don looks like he fits in Scotland the most. I don’t know why. Love the hat on him–it’s perfect, and yours is the perfect color for you. Thanks for the travelogue. I’m exhilarated by it!
He likes to speak in an over-the-top Scottish brogue (but never in front of a Scotsman!) Thanks, Nora!
OH, Claudia!!! We are so very very happy and thankful. It was a record turn-out in the state for a mid term election. Some disappointments, but the Governorship is beyond words. Dr. Evers is actually my daughter’s boss as she works for the Dept of Public Education. She said it is a very good day at the office today, but they will miss him so much. You can only imagine what it feels like to go from Walker ~~ to the State Superintendent of Schools as our Governor. Amazing.
The pictures you shared today are beautiful. Have a good day. I feel like I can almost breathe today. It is the first time in 2 years. It feels good.
I share your excitement!!! ;)
I know you do, Donnamae! I also was disappointed in Ryan’s replacement. I have visions of Walker and Schimel barracaded in their offices screaming they will never leave. One day at a time. And repeat.
I was disappointed in that, too. But…we did make great strides. I am proud of Wisconsinites for the first time in a long, long time!
I think that’s a very accurate pic of Walker and Schimel you painted…LOL! ;)
Sounds like Dr. Evers is a very good man. About time! Wisconsin deserves that! I’m sorry that the Dem candidate didn’t win Ryan’s seat. Enjoy your day, my friend. Celebrate!
1. Just one comment to add about the election results – AT LAST! I feel like I just came up from underwater & started breathing again. Ahhhh!
2. Edinburg is just gorgeous. If it wasn’t already on my bucket list for travel, I’d have to add it now after seeing your photos.
3. Don’s hat is perfect. Suits him to a tee. And if the Scots know anything, it’s how to keep warm. I bet the hat’s wool too. He’ll have it forever. Well-done, super shopper.
Peace.
#Resist
#ProtectMueller [for the 1st time ever, I don’t feel uneasy typing this – yay!!!]. 🇺🇸
I feel the same way, Janet!
Yes, the hat is wool. He now loves it! I also bought him a heavy wool sweater but it’s still too warm to wear it here.
I’m wondering if we’re going to hear from Mueller soon. He kept quiet during the lead-up to the election because that is unofficial policy. Will he rev up the indictments soon??
Your travel posts are so lovely and I enjoy them so much. Thank you truly.
So disappointed and heartsick over Beto this morning. Living in Texas for now and seeing all that Cruz has and has not done, all he stands for – it’s horrific to watch. Will Hurd is not any better. Do not get me started on his treatment of veterans. With my husband being a disabled veteran it’s even harder to see. Things are so whacked here in Texas I just can’t believe. And it seems to get worse by the day.
I am hopeful though with what did transpire. And even more hopeful for the revelations that Mueller could bring.
Have a most blessed day Claudia.
I love Beto O’Rourke. I had Don listen to his concession speech last night and Don said, “He may end up being the star of the Democratic Party.” I think he might.
And Mueller will be protected – if T tries anything, all hell will break loose.
I was thinking of you two last night. I couldn’t sleep even though the wake up alarm was set at 5 am. I was proud of Virginia, too! We overturned two Republicans and save Tim Kaine (a stellar man!) by a landslide! In the district where I live and teach, it was 51% to 49% Republican. Let me explain, it has been 20 points before, and it was 10 points last year. I am in a military area, but it is an area with much diversity. Diversity won out, and I think we can unseat our Republican in 2020! Sick over Beto and sad for the honorable people in Texas. I know many! One side note, I think the ugliest two months of the Trump “presidency” are about to happen. Dictatorial ego-maniacs do not like to lose.
So happy to see that Tim Kaine won. Of course, he should have been Vice-President, but he is an amazing Senator and such a good man.
I think you’re right about the next two months. Hold onto your hats!
It looks terrific — fascinating and loads of fun. Wonder if the hills are steeper than Quebec City?!
Three cheers on the election. In Michigan, we’re pretty thrilled to have unseated a two-decade House person, our governor and brought Debbie Stabenow back to the Senate. Yes, change won’t be overnight but it is definitely here!
I was born and raised in Michigan – lived there for almost 31 years – so I share your happiness. I was cheering the results last night. I love Debbie Stabenow.
First off….I can not begin to express how ecstatic I am with yesterday’s election results in Wisconsin! What a relief! Hopefully, Tony Evers can undo some of the wrongs of the Walker administration, and get us back on the correct path. I was so hopeful that Beto would be successful, but I don’t think we’ve heard the last of him…not be a long shot. For the first time in a long time…I have real hope!
Secondly…love Don’s hat!
Thirdly….great photos of Edinburgh. There’s just something about Scotland….it truly captured my heart several years ago…and continues to do so. Excited to hear tomorrow! ;)
Wisconsin has come to its senses! Hurrah!
I think Beto is a star and will eventually run for President.
Scotland is gorgeous – I only wish we had a bit more time there!
From the distance, in windy Scotland, I was delighted to wake up to some good news. I don’t really understand the ins and outs of U.S. politics but winning the House AND having so much diversity must be the best political news in a while for you. I am happy for you and the country.
I never took to ginger nuts when I moved to the UK. Not sure why, must try again. You both look fantastic with your hats and happy faces. If you loved Edinburgh, you’ll be blown away by Glasgow (on your next visit). Have a good week. x
Thank you, Christina!
Don- You look so debonair in the hat!
I’ll pass that on to him!
I am still overcome with happiness over the election results. Here in Minnesota we had a blue wave! I am so filled with hope that I feel like a weight has been lifted. On to 2020!
Yes, indeed!
my oldest daughter attended university in Edinburgh … such a beautiful city and always close to my heart-
yes, Beto lost … but he is a man to watch … charismatic and compassionate- we MUST keep our forward momentum going- one day all the slimeballs and reptiles will have to answer for their actions-
regards as always-
barb in texas
I wholeheartedly agree, Barb!
Little late to reply but I had to comment on Don ‘s hat. My Dad loved Harris Tweed so seeing Don wearing it so well brought back happy memories. Al! I can say is p ray for us here in Florida. So many good candidates gone, but hopefully not lost forever. Is it 2020 yet?! I’m ready for a do over! Thanks for all you share. 😊
Florida was so disappointing! I hope the recount happens with Nelson/Scott.
Beautiful Scotland pictures Claudia…I don’t know why Don resisted the hat..I have always liked those types of hats and he looks very handsome in it!..I love the color of your hat…it looks very warm and cozy!…Yes I am ecstatic about the election results and praying for good things to come!
Me too, Nancy!
What a magical place! I love Don’s hat! Castles, wind and vistas that just keep going. Amazing.
I’m sad that it looks like Ga will not have Stacey Abrams as governor but some changes are better then none. I see this country working towards equality more then it has in years!
It seems like there’s an effort to have a recount with Abrams? Certainly that man should never have been in charge of the vote while running for the office of Governor. And his efforts to suppress the vote should be punished.
I am hoping that this state will do the right thing and really look into the voter suppression. My daughter has had friend say they saw many turned away at the polls, mostly black women…wonder why? Stacey Abrams isn’t giving up just yet, and is filing a law suit. Even if she doesn’t win I hope things will be changed to make this a state where every vote counts. (off my soap box now)
Yes, at the very least, a man running for office should not have power over the voting process and everyone in Georgia should know that their vote was cast and that it counted. That’s a democracy.
missed watching the returns last night for taking an unintended nap (ha), but caught up today … am pleased with some outcomes and especially the diversity (obviously long overdue).
hope the hope and the beginning of positive changes will continue. we’ll just have to make it so!
thanks for sharing about your trip to edinburgh. all your photos are lovely and the castles are incredible, but i especially like the photos with all the sheep and the ones of your hats with your smiling faces and happy hearts! glad you found a source for ginger-nuts. i go to world market maybe twice a year for the food selection … great stocking stuffers.
hope you’re keeping warm! we are to get snow tomorrow and i am not into it.
kathy in iowa
No snow here as yet, but it’s going to get much colder on Saturday and I think it will curtains for the porch plants.
Wow, all us knitters out there think that Scotland and Ireland must be heaven on Earth. Your pics are lovely. I am frustrated by Ted Cruz’s win, but am so happy to see that Good Ol’ Texas Boy Pete Sessions was shown the door by Colin Allred. Beto will go far, he reminds me of when I saw then US Senate candidate Barak Obama speaking at Knox College where my son did his undergrad. He speaks of hope and civility and kindness. Keep fighting the good fight, Claudia! We are so fortunate to live in this country.
Yes. Beto will go far. He is a star and he remind me of Obama and Bobby Kennedy.
I had a map of Scotland on my bulletin board at work when I was 27 and I was saving for a trip there. I always wanted to go. Then I got pregnant with my first of two children and never made it. LOL I’m so happy to see your lovely pictures. Thanks for sharing them. Gives me a little vacation today! Wonderful!
I’m glad you’re enjoying them, Allison!
The Florida election results were such a disappointment, although not surprising, I didn’t celebrate. Now the good news about the House is sinking in. Thanks for the reminder.
Love the photos. I want to go to Edinburgh now.
Don just rocks every thing he wears. He is so photogenic.
What is with Florida? Meredith gets very angry about it, as well.
Yes, that guy doesn’t take a bad picture. Jealous.
YES on the political changes! I am rather thrilled with this election…and now you know particularly why. ;-)
I am loving your travel photos. Edinburgh does even look real – it looks like a movie set. I can only imagine being in these places that you traveled to and seeing them in person. We *might* be going to France in 2020 ~ our friends in Bristol, England have a second house in Brittany and have invited us to come stay with them. It’s just in the thought process for right now. Anyway, I still need to look at the book my dad was keeping for Phil with some family history to see where my dad’s father is from…I know it’s somewhere in Scotland and I’m pretty sure Edinburgh, but now I want to know for sure.
I hope you get to France, Melanie. I’m crossing my fingers for you!
Edinburgh is my birth city and your photographs of it were lovely to see.
This was our first election night in the US and as Illinois residents we were happy with our state and pleased to see Wisconsin and Michigan’s direction of travel.
Yes, so was I – I watch Michigan closely as it’s my home state and I lived there for 30 years. Still have family there.
Congrats on a good first election night, Rue!
Claudia, that picture of your home with the rainbow would make an awesome postcard to send to your family and friends!
I have enjoyed your European vacation, both pictures and stories/descriptions of the entire journey! Thank you so much for sharing the with us!
You are most welcome, Kelly!