Sunday Funday: Scottish (and London!) things that amused me this week

And the word of the week is "stauner."

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Happy Sunday, from Scotland or England, depending on what I decide to do with myself, where I am celebrating my birthday today. It’s very strange and lonely being in a far away place, where I don’t have close friends and family nearby to share the day with, but I’m so grateful to be able to mark another trip around the sun. Maybe I’ll stick a candle in some haggis.

I’m remembering today the friends I loved, who I assumed and then only hoped would be here at this stage with me: Debbie, Jeffrey, Jessica, Chez, Fawn. I feel them near me and I miss them.

Last year, I was on a yoga retreat in Panama and still reeling from the election; I could not have imagined spending this one in Glasgow, with a new mayor of NYC I hadn’t yet heard of. Last year I had a job. This year don’t, but I’m getting another degree. So I’m not placing bets on anything for the next one. Just trying to stay hopeful, and to cherish the words of Margaret Atwood, who when asked recently if she enjoyed holding her grudges responded, “I don’t have a choice. I’m a Scorpio.” Slaaaaaay, my resentful zodiac sister, forgive nothing!

Saw this today and there’s my motto for my new year:

Spent a few days in London last week watching my elder daughter graduate with her MA (so proud!), and to enjoy the things that amuse me there. How can you not love a city where, as the daughter says, every pub is called something like The Cock and Balls? We were at one such establishment last weekend when a staffer approached daughter to ask for her ID, because, as he explained, children’s hour was now over. Still unaccustomed to bars with children’s hours, but that’s the UK for you.

Welcome to Scotland, where you will experience weather you previously didn’t know existed.

The views from the train were a dream.

The Royal Family: Queen, King, Prince, Princess, Kevin from Home Alone.

Welcome to the Cumming House; try not to arrive prematurely.

I’m picturing sticky toffee lube and dildos shaped like Big Ben.

When the crapper is really a Crapper.

Accidental Halloween costume.

And back to Scotland and Bonfire Night:

A stauner, by the way, is an erection.

Yeah, but they are cool.

Meanwhile, in New York Citaaaay…