A few days past and we headed off to Alistair's brother-in-laws' family home (his sister Maggie passed away seven years ago, we remain very close with the family). Here is brief snapshot of a typical day with the Scottish, Birley, household.
Alistair, Dylan, Natalie, and JoAnne Birley, relaxing before the fun begins . . .
Natalie making a gift for her mom from Scottish Wood.
Dylan with Doug Birley in the Mill's workshop. Doug instructed Dylan on how to use the 'serious' machines and while he looked on, Dylan began to craft a gift for a friend. There are MANY workshops on the land. Alistair spends more happy time in this particular shop than any other.
The Birley home is on the same land as the business, a sustainable saw mill that Jim Birley started up with his wife Maggie (Alistair's sister) over 24 years ago.
Yes, Jousting still happens in Scotland. We watched a re-enactment at a well attended festival, ate hotdogs and toured the Linlithgow Palace. Once home, and inspired by the ancient skill set, the Birlyes set up our own competition.
The targets were ballons stuck to a wall 20 yards away. Natalie was one of the last to shoot and the first to hit a target! Dylan hit the next one followed by JoAnne. The rest of us were rather pathetic.
By the time we enjoyed the axe-throwing contest, Natalie and Dylan had already returned to the States. Sorry kids, but don't despair. JoAnne is waiting and ready to give you lessons the next time you visit;).
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