From Where I Sit

This photo was taken from the left-most window seat, looking through the flowers in a windowbox and out to the garden arch, the drive, and the street and hills beyond. (You also get a bit of glare from the window, although I did at least remember to turn off the flash.)

As you can see, it's a lovely morning. You probably can't see that it has been raining. It looks as though both members of the household got their wish: it rained only a little bit while Don was on the golf course yesterday but it rained gently for several spells during the afternoon. There is evidence that it must have rained during the night last night but it has been clear this morning. In fact, it is fairly sunny just now, which is good for Don, Craig, and Alex who are out on the golf course.

After lunch yesterday, we did paperwork at the dining table. Don read up on and filled out forms for our car insurance renewal while I wrote out a card and note to a friend. Then we each completed applications for free bus passes. Residents of Scotland over 60 are now eligible for free bus trips all over Scotland. We have several friends who have their passes and have used them not only to travel between Comrie and Crieff or Perth for shopping, but have gone on daytrips or getaway jaunts to Oban, Caithness, and other far-flung spots. After we had completed our forms, attached our photos, and gathered the requisite photo ID and proof of address, we took the forms to our local post office where our IDs, etc., were checked and the forms initialled. They will be sent on by the post office for processing. We look forward to being able to see more of Scotland without either of us having to drive.

Tonight's meal will be a true community sharing event as not only are we making Trish Hamilton's chicken dish from the other night, but we also got her recipe for the roasted veggies she served with it. Further, we've decided that dessert will be Helen Rae's fabulous bread pudding recipe.

Gordon Rae has come across a little booklet called Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain 1942 which is a reprint of a document created by the War Department in Washington to prepare American servicemen for duty in the UK. It was written by Americans for Americans but obviously by someone who knew Britain fairly well. Gordon thought we'd like to read it and he was right. Here is a brief excerpt which follows an explanation of the monetary system, the various coins and their worth. After admonishing readers not to refer to British money as "funny money," they add:

DON'T BE A SHOW OFF: The British dislike bragging and showing off. American wages and American soldier's pay are the highest in the world. When pay day comes it would be sound practice to learn to spend your money according to British standards. They consider you highly paid. They won't think any better of you for throwing money around; they are more likely to feel that you haven't learned the common-sense virtures of thrift. The British "Tommy" is apt to be specially [sic] touchy about the difference between his wages and yours. Keep this in mind. Use common sense and don't rub him the wrong way.

Seems like sound advice for anyone, anywhere, at any time, don't you think?