Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Aloha to Diana Cosby and The National Trust for Scotland


He emerged from the majestic mountains on his white horse, carrying a cloth wrapped treasure sought by those who seek power .....

.... actually, it was the postman delivering two more boxes from RT in LA!

Clearly, I am in a fantasy mood. anticipating today's guest, Diana Cosby - Navy veteran, author of Scottish medieval romances, and lifetime member of the National Trust for Scotland (NTS).  Diana recently attended the NTS Foundatin USA's Gala,

"A Celebration of Scotland's Treasures" 

Please join me in welcoming Diana Cosby!


Kim:  How did you become involved with the NTS?

Diana:  While researching the Scottish medieval era, I came across The National Trust for Scotland, which acts as guardian of Scotland’s magnificent heritage of architectural, scenic and historic treasures. So touched by their hard word to preserve Scotland's history as well as educate, I contacted Curt DiCamillo, FRSA, Executive Director of The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, and began donating to their worthwhile cause. In addition, I keep their url on my biography page.


Kim:  What do you consider as Scotland's treasurers?

Diana:  In addition to the amazing architecture left through castles and other historical features, the history of the complex times as well as the fascinating people who carved Scotland's history.

Kim:  Please share a glimpse into the ball.

Diana:  The evening within the dining room as ballroom of the Metropolitan Club was as if a Cinderella story, but even more special as I was surrounded by Scots. :) Braw men in kilts abound as well a fascinating woman dressed in magnificent gowns with laughter filling the air. The traditional delivery of the Haggis brought a smile to everyone as did the wonderful speakers throughout the event. Whisky tasting, the fine food, and the hearty Scottish burr's filling the air lent added another layer to this magical evening. I met so many amazing and interesting people, and had the pleasure of sharing the event with Karen Auerbach, Director of Publicity and Public Relations, Kensington Publishing Corp. Below is a link to pictures of last year's event:  http://www.ntsusa.org/events/100414/1.htm

View from the Metropolitan Club

My sincere thanks to Curt DiCamillo for the invitation and including an assortment of my books in the goody bags, Maggie Fogel for all of her incredible hard work to make this evening flawless, and Carolyn Wahto for all of her behind the scenes work. Their efforts combined which truly made the night amazing! *Hugs*


What more could an girl want?

Mahalo, Diana, for teasing us with tidbits from this event.   To put you in an Alba mood, Diana is giving away HIS CAPTIVE, the first book in her MacGruder Brothers series, along with a signed cover flat for the fourth book, HIS DESTINY


To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about Scotland, its national treasures, and/or a ballroom filled with kilted men.

2.  This giveaway is open to US residents only but I welcome comments from all readers (especially those with burrs).

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, April 30, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I will announce the winner on Sunday, May 1.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

Culzean Castle

I discovered the NTS when my family drove from the Netherlands to Scotland in July 2005.  We were staying at a family "holiday park" near Ayr and stumbled across the coast hugging Culzean Castle
 
Robert Adam's 18th-century masterpiece - a real 'castle in the air' - is perched on a cliff high above the crashing waves of the Firth of Clyde. The Castle itself boasts a spectacular Oval Staircase, the impressive Armoury and the Circular Saloon, with its panoramic views over the Clyde. The extensive grounds encompass Scotland's first country park where you can explore the deer park, swan pond, miles of woodland walks and adventure playground.
 
It is also home to the Eisenhower Apartment - a gift of the Scottish people to General Eisenhower to use during his lifetime in appreciation for his service as the Supreme Allied Commander of Europe during WWII.  
 
The National Trust for Scotland cares for so many of Alba's treasures - historic homes, medieval castles, charming coastlines, protected woodlands, and of course the sacred Culloden.   Stop by the website for a visit!

42 comments:

  1. I bopped around some on the Trust's website.... holy cow,, what beauty, what history. This is big motivation to write books set in Scotland, men in kilts and whiskey aside.

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  2. I too just came back from the web site. Scotland has an amazing Haunting Beauty about it. Gd Bless The Trust for the work they do in preserving all that Scotland is. My dream is to one day visit Scotland.Thanks to Diana for sharing and to say I love her books as well.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750@aol.com

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  3. Wonderful post, Diana. I would love to visit Scotland and see firsthand the people, the landscape and the castles. I love castles, from the from the magnificent ones like Culzean Castle to the ones that are crumbling ruins. Thanks for sharing about the National Trust for Scotland.

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  4. Nice post, Diana. I swear you were born in the wrong time period. Maybe I'll put you in my next time travel book and send you back there. *G*

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  5. I just came back from a tour on the website and wow I am speechless Scotland is absolutely stunning and I agree with Lori I also recon you were born in the wrong time period !

    God bless the trust for the amazing work they are doing I think it is awesome !!

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  6. Just wanted to say hi to Diana and recommend her books to everyone who hasn't read them so far. They are real keeper.

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  7. Popping in to say I love the photos! What an enchanting evening you must've had, Diana!

    Scotland is one of those places I hope to see someday!

    Also, I wave to Dannyfiredragon and second her comment. Diana's books are amazing!

    Light,
    Nancy Haddock
    www.nancyhaddock.com

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  8. Ahhh a ballroom full of kilted men? Well, I best not tell two friends. One would run for the leafblower. LOL

    I always wanted to visit Scotland. Why? I'm not completely sure. There is an inner part of me that's fascinated with it yet knows I'll never get to experience and see it with my own two eyes.

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  9. Grace Burrowes said: I bopped around some on the Trust's website.... holy cow, what beauty, what history.

    ~Hi Grace, thank you so much for stopping by. The National Trust For Scotland does an amazing job of preserving Scotland’s history. It was an honor to attend their annual ball, and I met so many fascinating people.

    This is big motivation to write books set in Scotland, men in kilts and whiskey aside.

    ~LOL There is that. Scotland is rich in fascinating history. I love writing in the Scottish War of Independence era, commonly known as the Braveheart time frame. Take care, and I wish you the very best!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosbycom

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  10. Carol L. said: I too just came back from the web site. Scotland has an amazing Haunting Beauty about it. God Bless The Trust for the work they do in preserving all that Scotland is.

    ~Hi Carol, my sincere thanks for taking the time to stop by. I agree, the National Trust For Scotland truly makes a significant difference in preserving Scotland’s history.

    My dream is to one day visit Scotland.

    ~As mine. I’m thrilled to share that I’m doing a book signing tour in Scotland in July of 2012. I’m going with two girlfriends, and we’re going to have a blast!

    Thanks to Diana for sharing and to say I love her books as well.

    ~Carol, the thanks goes to all involved with the trust who do so much to preserve Scotland’s history. Take care and I’d love to hear about your trip once you visit Scotland! My sincere best to you! *Hugs*

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosbycom

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  11. Anita Clenney said: Wonderful post, Diana.

    ~Hi Anita, thank you so much for stopping by. :) Kim always does a fabulous interview, and it’s my pleasure to be back to the SOS Aloha blog!

    I would love to visit Scotland and see firsthand the people, the landscape and the castles. I love castles, from the from the magnificent ones like Culzean Castle to the ones that are crumbling ruins.

    ~I agree and am excited about my book signing tour in Scotland in the summer of 2012. I know it’ll be amazing as many life memories.

    Thanks for sharing about the National Trust for Scotland.

    ~Thank you so much for taking time to check out their site. Their efforts make a significant difference in preserving Scotland’s history. Take care and when you visit, enjoy Scotland! ^5

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosbycom

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  12. Lori Dillon said: Nice post, Diana.

    ~Hey, Lori, fabulous to see you! ^5 Thanks, Kim did a fun interview and fabulous job on the blog as always!

    I swear you were born in the wrong time period.

    ~LOL Hey, that might have some merit. *G*

    Maybe I'll put you in my next time travel book and send you back there. *G*

    ~I’m in! *G* Take care, glad you stopped by, and know I’m cheering for you on your books! ^5
    *Hugs*

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosbycom

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  13. desere_steenberg said: I just came back from a tour on the website and wow I am speechless Scotland is absolutely stunning

    ~Hi Desere, thank you so much for stopping by today as checking out the National Trust For Scotland’s website. They truly do wonders in preserving Scotland’s history.

    and I agree with Lori I also recon you were born in the wrong time period !

    ~*G* I know! I think it explains my aversion to technology. LOL

    God bless the trust for the amazing work they are doing I think it is awesome !!

    ~*Hugs* Desere, my sentiments exactly. Take care and I wish you the very best!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosbycom

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  14. Dannyfiredragon said: Just wanted to say hi to Diana and recommend her books to everyone who hasn't read them so far. They are real keeper.

    ~*Hugs* Thank you so much, Danny, for taking the time to stop by as your kind words. The MacGruder brothers stories are books of my heart, and that you enjoy them as well is humbling. Take care and I wish you the very best!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosbycom

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  15. Nancy said: Popping in to say I love the photos! What an enchanting evening you must've had, Diana!

    ~Hi Nancy, thank you so much for stopping by, it’s always fabulous to see you. The evening was truly magical. I met so many amazing people as ate such amazing food. Yes, I tried haggis. Yum!

    Scotland is one of those places I hope to see someday!

    ~I’m with you, and that WILL BE next summer! I am sooo psyched and can’t wait.

    Also, I wave to Dannyfiredragon and second her comment. Diana's books are amazing!

    ~*Hugs* Thank you for your humbling words. I love, love, love your vampire stories! Take care and I wish you continued success with the May release of, “Always The Vampire!” ^5
    SlaÌnte!

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosbycom

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  16. Raonaid Luckwell said: Ahhh a ballroom full of kilted men? Well, I best not tell two friends. One would run for the leafblower. LOL

    ~Hi Raonaid, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. LOL If asked, I’d bet the Scots at the ball wore their kilts in the ‘traditional’ manner. *G*

    I always wanted to visit Scotland. Why? I'm not completely sure. There is an inner part of me that's fascinated with it yet knows I'll never get to experience and see it with my own two eyes.

    ~There’s something about Scotland that draws me as well. Maybe Lori is right in her earlier post and I lived there centuries before? :) The history is as rich as amazing. If possible, I say make plans and go. I’m psyched about my trip next summer. I’m going with two of my girlfriends, and I know it’s going to be amazing. Take care and my very best to you! *Hugs*
    SlaÌnte!

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosbycom

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  17. I have many genres that I enjoy reading but I really have to say medieval Scotland is my very, very favorite! Broad swords, kilts and men that would die for you (sigh). A trip to Scotland is definitely on my bucket list. Your covers are gorgeous and I'm sure they're wonderful reads!

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  18. catslady said: I have many genres that I enjoy reading but I really have to say medieval Scotland is my very, very favorite! Broad swords, kilts and men that would die for you (sigh).

    ~:) I agree, there’s something amazing about that timeframe as the people who lived there. Men in kilts, always good!

    A trip to Scotland is definitely on my bucket list.

    ~I know you’ll have a blast. ^5

    Your covers are gorgeous and I'm sure they're wonderful reads!

    ~Thank you so much, I’ve been blessed with amazing covers. I appreciate your kind words, the MacGruder brothers are stories of my heart. Take care, I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and I wish you the very best!
    SlaÌnte!

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosbycom

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  19. HI Diana and Kim!!! (My two fav gals in the same place! Yay!)

    Lovely post ladies and your dress was absolutely GORGEOUS, Diana! It was just a year ago this weekend that I met Kim in Hawaii and had a blast and it was all thanks to Diana. I'll always treasure the memory! :) Hugs to you both!!

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  20. Sarah Simas said: HI Diana and Kim!!! (My two fav gals in the same place! Yay!)

    ~Hey Sarah, fabulous to see you – as always! *Hugs* Thanks for taking the time to stop by. How are you doing?

    Lovely post ladies and your dress was absolutely GORGEOUS, Diana!

    ~Kim did a fabulous job with the interview! Thanks, I hadn’t meant to buy a red dress, but once I put it on I knew. :)

    It was just a year ago this weekend that I met Kim in Hawaii and had a blast and it was all thanks to Diana. I'll always treasure the memory! :) Hugs to you both!!

    ~Sarah, Kim is super amazing and I sincerely appreciate her extra efforts in making your stay in Hawaii so fun as memorable. My sincere thanks for stopping by, take care and I wish you continued success!
    SlaÌnte!

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosbycom

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  21. Not sure how I would act if I were in a ballroom filled with kilted men. I might be tempted to ask them what they wore underneath. What a cute pic.

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  22. Jane said: Not sure how I would act if I were in a ballroom filled with kilted men. I might be tempted to ask them what they wore underneath. What a cute pic.

    ~:) Jane, my sincere thanks for taking the time to stop by It was fabulous being surrounded by all of the Scots in kilts! Everyone was totally sweet, and the evening was truly magical. Take care and have a fabulous day!
    SlaÌnte!

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosbycom

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  23. Artemis said: *sigh* A ballroom of kilted men could be a double-edged sword.

    ~:) Hi Artemis, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. A ballroom of kilted men was indeed fabulous.

    I would love to visit Scotland one day. The country looks beautiful.

    ~It does, and I can’t wait to visit next year! I hope one day you fulfill your dream. *Hugs* Take care and I wish you every success!
    SlaÌnte!

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosbycom

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  24. A ballroom full of kilted men would probably send me into a swoon!

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  25. I think if I die, then my heaven would be a ballroom full of kilted men!!!! Yummy!!

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  26. Estella said: A ballroom full of kilted men would probably send me into a swoon!

    ~:) Estella, it was a fabulous night to be sure! I hope this finds you doing well. Take care and I wish you the very best!
    SlaÌnte!

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosbycom

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  27. Casey H said: I think if I die, then my heaven would be a ballroom full of kilted men!!!! Yummy!!

    ~*G* Casey, I think you might be onto something there. ^5 LOL Take care and I wish you every success!
    SlaÌnte!

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosbycom

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  28. Enjoyed your post, Diana! It's great that you have the National Trust link on your website. As part of my family heritage, I love all things Scottish, including, but not limited to, ruined castles and Sean Connery.

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  29. Callie B. said: Enjoyed your post, Diana!

    ~Hi Callie, thank you so much for stopping by. Kim always makes the interviews fun!

    It's great that you have the National Trust link on your website.

    ~It’s my honor to have a link to NTFS on my website as the National Trust For Scotland makes such a significant impact in preserving Scotland’s history.

    As part of my family heritage, I love all things Scottish, including, but not limited to, ruined castles and Sean Connery.

    ~There’s something magical about Scotland, and it’s easy to understand your pride. Though I’ve never had my ancestry done, I believe I have Scottish blood running through me as well. :) Take care and I wish you the very best!
    SlaÌnte!

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosbycom

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  30. Kim,
    My sincere thanks for having me back at SOS Aloha - it's always a blast! Also, my sincere thanks to everyone who took time out of their crazy lives to stop by and say hi and to share the magical night at the NTFS's ball. The National Trust For Scotland works hard to preserve Scotland's history and I'm thankful for their hard work. Take care and I wish you all the very best!
    *Hugs*

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosby.com

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  31. *Kim,
    If anyone posts after tonight, I will return and reply. Again, my sincere thanks for everything! *Hugs*
    Diana

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  32. LOVE Scotland as a setting! And a ballroom full of kilted men? Yes, please! :-)

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  33. Enjoyed your post so much. The photos too.

    Diana, you know I love your Scottish historicals and why. ;-)

    Don't put my name in the drawing since I have your books and cover flats already. :-)

    *Hugs*

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  34. Last summer, Hubby and I visited Edinburgh. It was wonderful--the Castle, the Palace, the museums and historical sites. And everything was just lovely. Even the weather cooperated while we were there! We'd love to go back. Thanks for visiting, Diana, and bringing back such good memories.

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  35. Chelsea B. said: LOVE Scotland as a setting!

    ~Hi Chelsea, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. Scotland is amazingly beautiful!

    And a ballroom full of kilted men? Yes, please! :-)

    ~:) Yes, definitely the definition of a fabulous evening! ^5 Have a super day, and I wish you every success!
    SlaÌnte!

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosbycom

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  36. Jeanmarie Hamilton said: Enjoyed your post so much. The photos too.

    ~Hi Jeanmarie, always fabulous to see you! *Hugs* Thank you, I always enjoy Kim’s interviews, they’re so fun. Breakfast overlooking Central Park was amazing as the evening at the ball. I also enjoyed a horse drawn carriage ride through Central Park, but best was that I wrote my daughter who is in Marine Corps boot camp a letter. :) I’m ultra proud of her!

    Diana, you know I love your Scottish historicals and why. ;-)

    ~:) The people are amazing and the history fascinating! Always wonderful to see you, and I’m so proud of you as your success! *Hugs*SlaÌnte!

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosbycom

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  37. LSUReader said: Last summer, Hubby and I visited Edinburgh. It was wonderful--the Castle, the Palace, the museums and historical sites. And everything was just lovely. Even the weather cooperated while we were there! We'd love to go back. Thanks for visiting, Diana, and bringing back such good memories.

    ~Thank you so much for sharing the memories. Your excitement of the journey comes through loud and clear. And wow, what memories I’m sure you have. I can’t wait to go! Amazing that you even had the weather on board. Excellent! Are you planning on going back? Take care and I wish you the very best!
    SlaÌnte!

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosbycom

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  38. Ok, it's taken me about 24 hours to cool down after imagining a ballroom full of kilted men...
    I love Scotland and visited there about 20 years ago. I can't wait to go back because I felt "at home" in the Highlands. At the time, I didn't know that I was a decendant of the Stewart and MacMillion Clans. I wish I knew then what I know now - my trip would have been totally different.

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  39. LilMissMolly said: Ok, it's taken me about 24 hours to cool down after imagining a ballroom full of kilted men

    ~:) It truly was an a-m-a-z-i-n-g night of memories that I’ll keep forever.

    I love Scotland and visited there about 20 years ago. I can't wait to go back because I felt "at home" in the Highlands. At the time, I didn't know that I was a descendant of the Stewart and MacMillion Clans. I wish I knew then what I know now - my trip would have been totally different.

    ~That’ fabulous that you have such noteworthy descendants. When you return, it’ll be a fantastic time. Enjoy! Take care and I wish you the very best!
    SlaÌnte!

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosbycom

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  40. There is no way you can visit Scotland just once. My husband and I had a wonderful trip there and are hoping to be able to visit again. One of my husband's favorite experiences was watching the work being done on Edinburgh Castle when we were there. He is a mason stone master by trade and thought it was histerical that the "workers" were only carrying one stone at a time! He is also a Masonic Mason and was fascinated by the history of the Masons while we were there. The single malt scotch was bad either!

    We have never been anywhere before where the people were so friendly and helpful and share many a wonderufl meal in one of the pubs with the "locals" and the food was wonderful. No matter where we visited we were welcomed and enjoyed the beautiful mystical countryside.

    If you have never had a chance to visit start making your plans now!

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  41. Jeanne M said: There is no way you can visit Scotland just once. My husband and I had a wonderful trip there and are hoping to be able to visit again.

    ~From the pictures, the Scots I’ve met on-line and in person as well as all of the fabulous lauds to the country, I’m sure that’s true. :)

    One of my husband's favorite experiences was watching the work being done on Edinburgh Castle when we were there. He is a mason stone master by trade and thought it was histerical that the "workers" were only carrying one stone at a time!

    ~Wow, one stone at a time? Probably as each stone has such historical value. My guess?

    He is also a Masonic Mason and was fascinated by the history of the Masons while we were there.

    ~I bet. Their history is fascinating.

    The single malt scotch was bad either!

    ~LOL I’ll have to give it a shot. I’m not a beer drinker, but while I was in Germany I tried the beer – it was yummy!

    We have never been anywhere before where the people were so friendly and helpful and share many a wonderful meal in one of the pubs with the "locals" and the food was wonderful. No matter where we visited we were welcomed and enjoyed the beautiful mystical countryside.

    ~Fabulous. When I traveled around Western Europe, I found this as well with small towns

    If you have never had a chance to visit start making your plans now!

    ~I’m excited to share that I’ll be doing a book signing tour in Scotland next summer. Yes, I’m psyched! Thank you so much for stopping by, and I hope you have a fabulous weekend!
    SlaÌnte!

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosbycom

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    ReplyDelete