Not Quite Summer in Scotland Yet...

England is under water and we see blue sky once every seven days...

Even so, June and July have been especially wonderful for settling in more fully into community in Banchory -- and for recovering from an exhausting flu virus that's been making the rounds...

Had a superb visit from Kate Watkins in late June. Just before she arrived, we had our first Sundae Sunday at the East Church for the kids -- 8 metre long rain gutter filled with ice cream, toppings and goodies!

On 30th June I organized an art gala event in the West Church hall with friends here for students who had recently graduated from University / High School in Fine Arts -- incredible evening! Craig Watt did an amazing job catering the evening and staffing the event with students to serve wine and canapes, and Peter Chalmers (below -- one of the artists) was an excellent and generous curator -- not to forget Laura Marshall on jazz piano! One of my favourite events since arriving back in Scotland!

Left the next day for 5 days traveling through Mull, Iona and Skye with Amie and Barb from Uni -- wonderful staying on Iona, soaking in the landscapes, and looking through the small galleries on Skye.

Three Camuslusta Gallery on Skye -- accessible via a 20 minute walk along the beach! The artist leaves the screen door to her home unlocked, her apple notebook computer on the table and a note saying she'll be back soon. Wonderful.

Been gathering with the 20-somethings that are home in Banchory from Uni., travels abroad, etc. -- wonderful meals and discussions -- last week it was Genesis 1 until the wee hours of the morning...

Lots of preaching this month -- 3 weeks at East Church and last Sunday in Methlick with Matt and Julie Canlis. Spent the night Saturday and most of the day Sunday with their family -- what a treat.

And musn't fail to mention my new pal in the woodbin outside my front door -- I've tried to relocate him back "in the wild" next to our fish pond in the garden, but he makes his way home to the woodbin. So I've named him Al.

This Saturday 28th of July is Kyle Scott's wedding celebration up in Nairn -- then on Tuesday I'm off to London and on to Seattle! See you soon!