This is the Pinetree block from the Mercantile sew-along. See how I got my hour of sewing in? I've been keeping up with this project pretty well I think. The last few blocks will be stitched up in the next week or so, and I will have to trim them all down to the same size before I sew them together. They range in size from 13 1/4" to 14 inches. I hope it won't look odd to have the borders different widths.
Archie got his first proper haircut yesterday. I think he looks quite sharp. Except his tail is so skinny! His fluffy tail was definitely one of his best features I think. But I guess the groomer thought it would look weird for this shaved down dog to have a big plume of a tail! He also has a bit of a pencil neck, but I won't let him know I said that.
Eva made Snickerdoodles for Baking Day yesterday and Archie was paying rapt attention.
I have a question for my well-traveled readers. For part of our upcoming trip to visit Ahren in Dublin, we plan a side trip first to Edinburgh, then London. We've been to London many times and always know where we want to go and do, but Edinburgh is new to us. I understand they have more bookstores per capita there than anywhere else on the planet. Do any of you have suggestions of cool things to do in Edinburgh? My husband and son will rebel if all I can think of to do is visit bookshops! Let me know in the comments if you have any ideas for me.
We lived in Broughty Ferry, Scotland for almost three years. Have been to Edinburgh 4-5 times. You must see Edinburgh Castle; Holyrood Palace; the Royal Mile which is a big shopping street, lots of unique Scottish stores; along the Royal Mile there’s the Scotch Whiskey Experience; my husband fell in love with scotch and has quite the collection; Princess Street Gardens; Carlton Hill; St. Giles Cathedrals. You must go into Arm Chair Books. It is packed full of books! The Royal Yacht Britannia, we have not seen this but my husband read about it. Do you have a car? My husband has lots of suggestions within a couple hours drive. We absolutely loved living in Scotland. We think it is more beautiful than Ireland or England. It seems as though there is a castle every few miles! Enjoy your time there. Try the haggis and Iron Bru! Neither are great but they are so Scottish!
Posted by: Donna | April 23, 2024 at 04:34 AM
If you can get tickets for the bus tour to Inverary Castle and Kilchurn Castle, those are fantastic. The Duke of Argyll and his family live in Inverary, and it has been completely renovated/refurbished. The castle and grounds are gorgeous. Kilchurn was built around 1550 and abandoned 300 years later. it is in ruins. Standing on the edge of Loch Awe, it is also beautiful, but in a conpletely different way. That tour was my favorite part of my trip to Edinoburgh (I had 3 days there because my husband had a business trip there 5 years ago).
Posted by: Christa Barnhizer | April 23, 2024 at 05:32 AM
The tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia is very interesting. Queen Elizabeth wanted it to feel more like a home than you'd expect.
Posted by: Lynn C. (NJ) | April 23, 2024 at 05:57 AM
We visited there last fall and I echo the above - I would also add the Roslynn Chapel is about 20 minutes outside of Edinburgh and well worth the visit
Posted by: Susan McC | April 23, 2024 at 05:58 AM
Wow! So many ideas! We had wanted to tour Scotland last year but now it's on next year's agenda. I will keep this blog for a reference, and wait to hear what you liked!
I wish I had seen this pinetree block before I made the 12 for my tree quilt. I like the darker green pieces filling in under the tree. Too late now.
Posted by: sue s | April 23, 2024 at 07:02 AM
You will enjoy your time in Edinburgh and you have already been given so many wonderful places to visit from others. Remember they have wonderful and well made cashmere and wool items in the shops.
Posted by: Arrowhead Gramma | April 23, 2024 at 08:18 AM
It sounds like your readers have lots of great places for you to consider visiting in Scotland! It's going to be a fun trip! Maybe ask the groomer to leave some fluff on Archie's tail next time! 🐶 He's definitely on the job with Eva in that photo!
Posted by: Jan | April 23, 2024 at 08:19 AM
So many great suggestions!! I am jealous of your trip, but so glad that you can go.
Archie is adorable, and so is your pine tree block.
Posted by: Sally | April 23, 2024 at 09:33 AM
a lot of your readers have been to Scotland...I had a chance to go but it was in rainy, cold February so I skipped the trip. ;p
I love snickerdoodles...now I want cookies.
Posted by: Ina | April 23, 2024 at 10:00 AM
I really like the Pinetree block!! So pretty! Archie looks quite handsome too!!
Posted by: Sandra Clarke | April 23, 2024 at 09:28 PM