And finally...the blog starts!!

Well, hello everyone who might follow our blog.  Sorry for the delay, but I trust you will forgive me as there has been plenty to do and many adjustments.  I hope to now keep this going on a regular basis.

Dougal waits for his visit with the vet

Dougal applies for permission to fly to the UK

 So, to begin at the beginning, we loaded up our rental SUV in Surrey and off to the airport early we went, only to find that Dougal was only needed to be there at that time so they could measure him and his crate and weigh them.  We then had to pass 3 hours until he was ready for them to take him for shipping, which we did in a very hot Richmond.  Fortunately, he was a good boy and didn't seem to mind.

Our worldly possessions

Dougal at his departure lounge.  Classy.

Our flight was uneventful and sleepless for me once again.  Rick managed a few naps along the way, the lucky pup.  We had taken 4 extra large duffle bags as our luggage, but only 3 arrived.  It is very lonely at the carousel when there are no new bags arriving.  Oddly enough, there were several unclaimed items still circling about, which made me wonder where those people were.  Eventually, the bag was tracked down and delivered to us, which is good as it was the one the contained all of Rick's clothes for work.

After 4 hours, we were finally able to pick up the hound and head north to Mawdesley, which is a lovely small town, where we were hosted by Ronald and Margaret, who are the parents of the relative who Rick visited in Chicago, for those of you who remember.  They were wonderful hosts and treated us to a relaxing visit and a chance for Rick to chat about family.  Dougal rudely woke them up the first morning by jumping on their bed, but they forgave him.

Our refuge in Mawdesley.  Lovely.

A dog who is very anxious to go for a walk!

After 2 evenings in Mawdesley, we were off to Edinburgh to drop things off and meet with Kate, Rick's exchange partner, and then off to Dundee to drop off the rental car, and up to Rick's cousin Alison's place to bunk in for a couple of days before the flat in Edinburgh became ours.  Oh, and to pick up our "new" car, a 2008 Toyota Yaris, which is turning out to be a good purchase.  We are adapting well to driving on the left although sometimes the gearshift isn't where you grab for it in a panic - not that we have had any close calls or anything!!  Yeah, right.

Making oneself comfortable at Auntie Alison's.

Alison and Brian took us to a place called Casc, which has a very interesting assortment of beer.  Three of us had regular strength drinks, but Bob had a much more manly one, which unfortunately came in a dainty wee glass.  Powerful stuff, though!