2009 update

Rome in the abbey at Edinburgh Castle, Scotland - Dec. 30th, 2008

Well, it has been way too long since I've written and, as usual, so much has happened I don't know where to begin -- apart from where we left off..... New Years Eve in Edinburgh!!

Suffice it to say we had a great time celebrating the first part of the three day new years party, Hogmanay, which claims to be the biggest new years celebration in Europe. Although it was very cold, that didn't stop the outdoor festivities. We didn't stay for the big grand finale - an all night dance party in the center of town- but participated in the family events that were held prior. Here are a few pics of the Torchlight Procession. We were really fortunate to be at the beginning of the procession, following hundreds of bagpipe players through the streets up to the top of the hill where there was a giant bonfire complete with a burning dragon, highlander-clad warriors and a stunning fireworks display. The sounds of the Scottish music mixed with the sights of the city and the thousands of torches lit all around us made this a truly remarkable and heady experience. I wish we could share the video but it won't load on here so here are a few pics...

holding a torch on Castle Hill a unicorn releif at the Castle (you've gotta love a royal emblem with unicorns..)

the big dragon bonfire

The first few months of the year were pretty uneventful, apart from a visit from our friend Annie who came for her birthday, and a huge snowstorm that dumped several feet of snow on our doorstep in 48 hours. London was the most beautiful I've ever seen, all covered in snow. We made a snowman and then Daniel had a snowball fight with Rome.... guess who won??

Rome with Annie in Spitalfield's Market our back yard after the snowstorm Rome making with our snowman in the yard

It was a cold, wet winter and we stayed quietly indoors for the most part, awaiting Spring and the arrival of more friends, family and blooming flowers.