Guess who’s back? Staggering up to the finish line just before 2021 ends is another episode of the languishing series Is It Funny? This time we turn to the Scots style icon Muriel Spark, whose books never fail to cheer me. She is both vicious and economical, as well as laugh out loud funny when…
Tag: Scotland
Gifts at Solstice
On the longest night I find I’m the gal with all the gifts.
From Dundee to Prague
I should have been in Scotland weeks ago. I miss my family, I miss Dundee, I miss livable weather, too. I miss idling in the Howff and dropping by my favourite paintings in the McManus or standing on the little observation deck in the V&A watching the Tay flow past. I miss all of us…
Catching My Breath
A lie, but finals due tomorrow (technically, many already in — thanks!) and the end of grading in sight, though no end of quarantine in sight, alas. Feeling relief at all the things being cancelled, yet I am not making progress on the remaining things due! Itching to get back to Dundee, so first here’s…
#NationalUnicornDay Medieval Style
In Scotland it is National Unicorn Day, the day they celebrate the national beast. With the lockdown and everyone staying indoors, they have become plentiful again, so I hear. Thus from medieval Scots history I offer you a tale told by a unicorn (on good authority!) from The Talis of Fyve Bestes (beasts that is,…
HB Muriel: Re-Reading The Abbess of Crewe
THE ABBESS OF CREWE It is Muriel Spark’s birthday and I just re-read this so it seems apropos to write about it, too. I just re-read it for the obvious reason that it was inspired by the shenanigans of an impeached president and now we have another impeached ‘president’ who proves just as mendacious and…
That Was the Year That Was
Every year I have to give myself a little shake because undoubtedly, having idled away my holiday break (if it has gone according to plan), I feel as if I have accomplished nothing at all ever, never mind for the whole last year. Some people are putting together ‘end of decade’ lists, too (never mind…
Grissel Jaffray’s Stone
In the Howff this stone has come to be called the headstone of Grissel Jaffray, last witch executed in Dundee. It’s not her headstone, but who am I to mess with tradition? There is of course a formal memorial for her as well. Besides, the cemetery is full of lovely sights. You should probably visit…
Kirriemuir
A little jaunt in the mists and rain: the birthplace of J. M. Barrie and Bon Scott! Lovely drive through the Sidlaws there, too. And WiFi on the bus 😉
Broughty Ferry
A lovely day out now the kids are off school. More Wullies, of course. Windy but beautiful, I think you’ll agree. More photos on FB, if you’re there.
K. A. Laity 