One Down

Today is the 3 week mark and the end of month 1.  I have accomplished some goals, the biggest of which is to stop smoking.  On the other hand, I haven't really noticed much difference in body weight distribution. I have surprised myself with the running.  I don't enjoy it (yet?) but my goal setting is dependent on running.  I don't think I have made much progress on my mental goals.  I'm still in the air about what I want to do.  Everyday, I set aside time to work on a plan of attack and it hasn't come together yet.  I've done much reading while away and would wholeheartedly recommend the book "Silence" by Shusaku Endo.  It is the second time I have read this book and it really is one of the best reads ever.  It is the story of two Portugese priests who set sail to Japan to nurture the nascent movement to Christianity in the 16th century. However, the main plot of "Silence" revolves around the priests perception of God's silence during the tragic suffering and martyrdom of Christians at the hands of the Japanese.  

Since I have been in St. Andrews, I have seen 21 consecutive rainless mostly sunny days, a double rainbow and the Northern Lights.  I have met some wonderful new people, reestablished friendships and even learned a few new jokes (A couple for you, Sue!)  I love the simple life of this town despite the fact there are plenty of distractions.

On Sunday, I leave St. Andrews with my bad golf game in tow to meet Christine on the Costa del Sol.  I'm looking forward to seeing her so much.  3 weeks doesn't sound like much time to be alone but I can tell you, I was underprepared for it. 

Happy Halloween all!  Thank you so much for the wonderful comments and emails and phone calls. 1 to go. Until next time, I remain,

Ripping the month off the calendar,

Mike

Lucie

Lucie

Kirstie

Kirstie

Trio

(From l to r) Allison, Kevin and Amanda

Guising

Repeat after me...

No Late Night Cigars!

Repeat as necessary.

Playing basketball today at 2 pm against a fit 25 year old is going to be a stiff challenge.  I may have to dig back into the memory banks for the soft 16 foot jump shot and keep it an outside game.  Or, I could cancel. 

I heard another interesting colloquilalism last evening. On Halloween, folks here go "trick or treating" and "guising."  Guising looks and feels like trick or treating with one large difference. Guising still involves going from door to door in masks and costumes but in order to recieve a treat, you must entertain your neighbors. It has something to do with warding off evil spirits which leads me back to one of my previous posts, "Truth or Scare."

And to be truthful, today, I need to scare off some of the effects of old demon alcohol before basketball.  I'll have photos of last evening's send off a little later today.

Back later, I remain,

Practicing an invisible jump shot with an invisible jump,

Mike

PS.  I just found out that the sky and stars that mesmerized me last night was none other than the Aurora Borealis.  No wonder.

THE Staff

Really....it's becoming hard to believe but it was one helluva splendiferous day.  This morning, I wore a short sleeve tee shirt and shorts.  I'm thinking that a seaside resort hotel with golf might do well here. Think about it.

Tonight, the Monarchs House staff and I went out for a wonderful dinner.  It was the last time the group would be together.  Amanda, Kevin, Allison, Lucie and Kirstie have all helped make MH what it is.

Amanda, our GM, is moving to Cantebury, England with her husband-to-be, Harry.  They marry on December 20th.  Harry is a terrific chap (notice how I am assimilating) and our loss is clearly his gain.  Much of Monarchs House's success can be attributed to Amanda's amazing attention to detail, her disarming charm and  her engaging personality. We will miss her immensely.  Amanda has trained her successor well and vice versa.  Next season's General Manager is Angus Mitchell, Amanda's dad.

We are also going to miss our friend, the lovely Lucie Hardie.  Lucie leaves for Spain shortly and threatens she may return.  If she does, we would welcome her back with open arms and so would our guests!

Kirstie is now attending  Edinburgh University and is a St. A's native.  Kirstie and I met a few days ago and I can confirm our guests' compliments. As I learned tonight, it's no surprise that Lucie and Kirstie are the best of mates.

Over the past several days, I suspect you've noticed my biting comments about the local cuisine. Kevin Low, our master chef, has enjoyed unanimous praise.  Kevin's  fare is second to none and would slay NYC, Paris and London locals.

Allison has been with us since the beginning and is quick with a smile and a story if you have time.  Between her and Kevin, Angus has a great nucleus for next season. 

I have much more to tell you tonight (the Gaja Sito Moresco is unbelievable!!) but I have to save some talking points

Here's to you and your loved ones. I couldn't miss you more. I remain,

Two sips away from the arms of Morpheus,

Mike

I was happy. Now, I'm annoyed. I just typed today's entry and it was erased in error. Grrrrrr..... I'll attempt to retype later after dinner.