Author: leanagallagher

People are generous and kind. Keep that thought with you when you think of Chazy. So many people came together and made this beautiful party — Lisa and LaLa and I were merely bystanders. We were spent, and we didn’t know how we’d do it, and miraculously Chazy’s friends stepped in and organized this beautiful fete. They met as a committee, arranged speakers, put together a video montage, organized a menu, selected wines, created a program, and published book of photos that will be passed down in our family. A Herculean effort that will be remembered forever.

There were tears, there were laughs, there was gratitude, there was reunion. She touched so many, she lived so fiercely, and she made such a contribution to so many lives. We did exactly what she said she wanted, a beautiful party with good food and drink and a chance to tell some stories. And we all wore dangly earrings.

As most of you know, my sister Chazy struggled with cancer for the last 7 months and left us in December. Her illness and death has taken a toll on all of us in ways I would have never imagined. The last month was horrific on so very many levels, and the only thing that kept me from crumbling was the thought of a spa vacation after all of this was over. As the days got tougher, the spas got more elaborate. The fantasy started to take shape after her death as a way to move forward emotionally and physically, so I roped Lisa into coming with me, LaLa is going to watch from afar, and Brad and John signed on immediately.

We (I) picked a spa just outside of Milano in the Franciacorta region of Italy. It happens to be an hour away from one of my best friends in the world. 🙂 The initial thought of 7 days of mud wraps and raw food quickly devolved into 4 days of mud wraps with pasta and wine, coupled with 8 days of travel in Northern Italy.

Chazy would approve.

But first we fly home to host Chazy’s 70th birthday party with all her friends and colleagues.

Jacksonville airport didn’t disappoint — 10 minutes from the front door through security and then, thanks to my dear friend Janet, Club JAX provided a lovely breakfast and cappuccino.

This is always more for me than you. No pictures, just thoughts.

Remember not to order hamburgers outside the US. Over cooked and never right. Scotland has world class cheese, butter, ice cream, potatoes and fish — eat it daily. The Scottish make phenomenal soup, and great desserts.

It rains always. The temperature varies. Best to have a fleece, a vest and a rain jacket — layer accordingly. Invest in pants that dry quickly. REI is your friend. Hiking shoes are a must. They are waterproof, can go trough mud, are comfortable and EVERYONE wears them.

Rent a tiny car. The roads are narrow and you’ll be squished but less scared. If budget permits, hire a driver. You’ll get great info, a bit of history and much less marital fighting.

Having a big house was tremendous. We all had our space, yet we could gather when we wanted. It made the trip. Don’t skimp on luxury here – after a day of touring, a great bed with space around you truly allows you to rest and rejuvenate.

Play golf at unknown courses. Great to say you played the big names, but there are hundreds of good courses for $30.

Family time is so important. Go out of your way and comfort zone to make time for it. There is nothing that connects you more than spending a week with someone. It’s a treasure and we should strive to do it more.

The end of a perfect trip, or so we thought…. We left our estate and headed toward the airport in three cars. Some of us got there before others :).

Check in in Glasgow was easy, but there was a foreboding sign as we rode the escalator Michael wondered about the need for the Prayer Room. The plane left on time and it was an easy flight.A few movies later and we were in JFK in the largest customs line in the world. The girls made even TSA a fun adventure.We got Jeff and Jenn onto their flight at a gate that seemed half way to Glasgow. We met Kirsten and the boys and then watched as our flight got delayed, and delayed and delayed again.

After trying several different options, we settled on a flight the next day and checked into the new TWA hotel. Such a fun end to what could have been a miserable night.

Oh, and let’s not forget the rooftop pool!And as a final addendum, I realized that my wheel had broken on my suitcase.I went back to the airport the next day and Delta GAVE me a new suitcase. That’s right, they have s store of brand new suitcases, and they let me pick one. How cool! Also, had a chat with the baggage folks and they recommend Ricardo luggage and soft sided as the best for durability.

Our final day before travel. Where did the time go?

No big breakfast today. The Vacirca’s headed off to a restaurant they wanted to try before meeting Kirsten at Culzean Castle. I finally made Brad soft boiled eggs with buttered soldiers. But the boys had Krispy Kremes!

Kirsten took her first long drive and managed swimmingly.

Brad and I headed to the Maritime museum in Irvine, which was really interesting, and the building was a Victorian gem brought down brick by brick from Glasgow. Did I mention it was pirate day?

We headed to get a cup of coffee and ended up going to the same place Jenn had found for them to have breakfast! Best desserts ever!

The kids made it to Culzean Castle and Kayla got to see her Scottish cattle — a real dream come true.

They had a great day inside the castle and out. Brad and I headed to West Kilbride to see the Craft Town, and Brad ran into a painter that has worked in Newport and who knew John McCray. Small world. I, of course, stopped into a butcher and made fast friends with the family.

We stopped by a local golf course just to check it out, and saw that they had a driving range, but you bring your own balls and pick them up yourself!

We met everyone in Largs, a little seashore town like Hampton Beach, and had fantastic fish and chips.

Kirsten and I did a long walk around the property, then met the Vacirca’s and did s photo shoot all over the grounds. Such a sweet way to end this terrific trip.

Oh yeah, we finished the Aladdin puzzle!

Our fourth day with the kids. We decided to split off today, so all the kids went to Edinburgh and Glasgow and we went to Prestwick to play golf.

They tried Scottish Porridge this morning with roasted apples. Sorry to say, bacon and eggs is their favorite, or absolutely anything with maple syrup.

The train ride was s highlight, but the city was spectacular. Castles, double decker buses, and of course a fabulous lunch.

Who needs the grand parents anyway? We are so glad they are all having such fun together. Memories forever.

Brad and I played golf in several kinds of weather in one round with a great caddie who met us for a beer in a local pub after. He knew everyone in the Pub and introduced us around. Always fun talking politics with the locals. The shell of the stone building in the background is the old church of St. Nicholas dating from 1200. Very interesting oceanfront Scottish town, and the course is the home of the British Open. How appropriate we were there as they are playing the Open this week in Northern Ireland.We were supposed to have dinner at a Michelin restaurant tonight, but we both felt like a night at home. I went for a walk all through the grounds. . I feel so at home here. There is something about Scotland that just suits me.

A salad and quiche were the perfect end to the day.

Day Five with the kids was a rousing success (almost). Jeff and Kirsten and the boys went golfing at Turnberry.

Jenn and the girls took the train into Glasgow, and Brad and I went off to do some ancestor hunting. We drove to Ayr where we had corresponded with a historical librarian at the Carnegie Library, Tom Barclay.Tom had sent us some great information and maps of the area where Brad’s fourth great grandparents lived. He took us on a stroll and explained what the town was like in the early 1800’s. The town was coal miners and linen weavers, and Brad’s family were the later. There are many buildings dating from the early 1800’s, and it was great to be able to see what they saw.We walked over a bridge they traveled on we walked down the streets they walked, and what is in the corner of their block? Life is so funny. Could 4th great grandfather Daniel have imagined that his grandson would return 220 years later? He died leaving his family in “distress”, and his wife, Flory, died 40 years later in the workhouse. And we return on an airplane, renting a castle to visit their ghosts. What a morning. We found their church (closed for over 70 years) we found what might have been their home (or more likely rented room) and we hold them and their story in our hearts.

After an emotional morning, we went to hear about another Scottish family, the Dalrymple’s, Earl of Dumphries. The Earl was building this mansion (that Prince Charles’ trust owns) while Brad’s grandparents were starving. Amazing to put it into context.j

We also toured the garden Now this is a vegetable garden!

Amazing property, fantastic tour guide, and a proper British lunch.We got back to the house and Jenn had had quite a time with the girls. They had been great all week, but decided to act out in Glasgow and drive her to distraction. She was ready for a proper drink by the time we got home!

Speaking of proper drinks, we had drinks in the main house with the owners, Sallie and Charles. Lovely folks.

We came home to all the kids in the game room watching golf.

So the Vacirca’s went off to Stirling to see the Castle there and decide how it compares to our humble abode.They took in the countryside on the drive. Everywhere you turn your head is another gorgeous vista.The Castle was amazing and very child friendly. The girls dressed up as princesses and learned a bit of Scottish history.Off to the animal park which was full of sub Saharan African animals. How Scottish! The kids totally loved it. It was a wonderful family day, followed by our great meal together. The cousins are getting along really well. I think the girls are in love.

A good night’s rest and a misty morning. We woke up and gathered in the kitchen as the smell of bacon and sausage wafted up the stairs. It’s a big group, and they like their breakfast.We split into two groups today. The V’s left for Stirling, to see the castle and the animal park, and the rest of us went off to golf.

First course on the tour was Western Gailes. It’s a Scottish links style course that’s truly difficult and more popular with the British than Troon or Turnberry. It hasn’t been Americanized yet, and that’s just how we like it.It’s a modest clubhouse that faces the Firth of Clyde. The wind blows, the rain stings, the gorse is tall and eats balls (just ask Michael) and the caddies have been there for a lifetime. Paul won the round by 4 strokes and had a real taste of golf in its truest tradition. We came in, had a beautiful lunch and our first Sticky Toffee Pudding. I’m truly sorry I didn’t photograph it, but we ate it very quickly and with gusto! We came back to the manse, after a detour to Royal Troon, and collapsed for a bit. Seven miles of walking in the Scottish rain and sticky toffee pudding did us in.

Another post will show the Vacirca’s at play at the Animal Park and Stirling Castle, but we call met for dinner at “The Blair” in Kilwinning.A beautiful little restaurant very close by (down a rural track that we’re getting very good at driving on). As soon as we all arrived, the place cleared out — was it something we said? Who cared, the food and staff were terrific!No one make a pie crust like the British! We are all back in bed once again, dreaming of sticky toffee pudding…….

Big day! We all slept well and woke up early and had a full Scottish breakfast.Sausage, bacon, eggs, pancakes, crumpets, Scottish strawberries, coffee and tea for 9. That’s a lotta eggs!

We trotted off to play a bit of warm up golf and to Kelburn Castle Country Park for the wee ones.Then we were off to Cowan’s Law to learn to shoot clays with the fabulous Jay Steele. Air rifles, archery and clay shooting. Great family sporting day in the Scottish countryside.After a little rifle practice the girls learned to groom a pony and ride one. This lucky pony’s name is Comet. Onto dinner in Robert Burns country. Such a beautiful town. Let’s not stop here — off to a Cricket match! Great guys in a perfect setting. We made some new friends.