Sheep

We saw this unusual bir on our hike Saturday. It didn't seem to be afraid of us at all.

We went on a hike at nearby Portland Hills Regional Park by Glencorse Reservoir. Beautiful fall colors were evident.

In searching for sheep to take a picture of, we gor ourselves into a little trouble. We accidentally and foolishly ended up on some private property and were yelled at by the owner. I certainly don't blame her, and would have done te same thing in her place! 

 

DUMFRIES, MURDERY MYSTERY DINNER AND RELIEF SOCIETY

Our stake had its first ever Relief Society Super Saturday. Items to be used by Afghan refugees were colleced, necklaces made for the Afghan children, Bollywood dancing was taught, and Brazilian food was demonstrated. There was pizza and salad for lunch. Women came from all over the stake to be there. I was really surprised by how many attended.

We went to a Murder Mystery Dinner, hosted by Bronte and Alicia at their house. Bronte's parents own the house, and Alicia is her roommate. We've never gone to one before, so it was a new experience! Bronte mistakenly assigned me to be a man, but the costume was much easier to come up with than a roaring 20's dress would have been!

We visited the Dumfries ward Sunday, which is about a two hour drive south of Edinburgh through amazingly beautiful and green countryside. I loved seeing all the sheep out in the pasture. 

They asked us to speak in Sacrament Meeting when we first got there, since their speakers didn't show up. They asked for five minutes each, and I think I managed three or four. I introduced ourselves and bore my testimony. I am not generally good at spontaneous speaking, and I'm sure this was not eloquent, but I prayed for help beforehand and I got it. I didn't feel nervous and I had something given to me to say!

 

CASTLES, A TUNNEL, A BEACH, and KARAOKE

We discovered The Colinton Tunnel by another part of the Leith Trail. A mural was painted on it just a few years ago, representing a train ride as told in a poem by Robert L. Stevenson. Part of the trail is where a railroad used to be. 

 Our first stop Saturday was .Dirleton Castle. It was closed because of COVID, but we walked the grounds, which were very beautiful

This is Hailes Castle, which is really just ruins, but very interesting. It sits just above a section of the River Leith.

The other castle we saw was the Tantallon Castle. They are all beginning to look alike! Scotland has a lot of castles!

We also went to a village called North Birwick, where there is a beach and small boat harbor. The tide was out, so the water was very low.

The place where they moor the boars was totally dry, but we were told that it would be full to the top by afternoon.

We are really enjoying our time with the Young Adults. We had open mic night and karaoke for our FHE activity Monday, and everyone had a great time. We didn't participate because I just would never do it! Charles might have been talked into it, but there were plenty of others who wanted to, and they were really good!

For some reason, ukeleles are a thing here, and a lot of the YA's play them. They sing really well too!

Josie is from zimbabwe, and did a popular song with some dancing from her country. 

The sister missionaries got into it!

So did the Elders.

 

LEITH

We went on a Saturday outing to Leith, a part of Edinburgh near the ocean and the end of the River Leith. It's the home of the retired Royal Britannia Yacht. We didn't go on it, and weren't able to get close enough for a good picture. We'll have to book tickets ahead next time!

While there, we walked on another part of the Water of Leith walk. It's very beautiful!

We had a well-attended volleyball/board game FHE. They liked the snacks too!