Happy Birthday, Claire!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CLAIRE!

Nancy Drew (I mean, Claire)

Today is the 7th birthday of my fantastic, fabulous, super cool niece, Claire. She is one adorable, incredibly smart, sweet, and creative little girl. She emails, checks our blog, and helps her mom with all sorts of computer things. At 7, she is reading way above her grade level and seems to love to learn. And, she's so much fun to be around--always up for a game of UNO, something imaginative or wiffle ball on the beach. She's the only kid I know who can get 5 grown adults to play leap frog in a public park in front of strangers! We just love her to pieces and really wish that we could see her on her birthday today (somehow, Skype just doesn't cut it).

Claire, we love you very much and are so proud of the girl you are. You work really hard at school and are so smart. We love how nicely you treat other people and how friendly you are to everyone. And, we absolutely love playing all sorts of games with you. We can't wait to talk to you today--and hopefully see you soon, too!

Love,

Auntie Amanda and Uncle Joe

Bike Ride

So, I am LOVING my bike. Initially I loved it only for it's utility--I can get to work so much more quickly now. But, now I am actually craving bike riding, which is crazy because, I have maintained for many years now that I hate riding bikes. But, now it's one of my favorite parts of the day.

So, Saturday, after enjoying a leisurely girls' morning in the gardens (and before our last-minute BBQ), I decided to take advantage of the gorgeous afternoon and take a bike ride. A 13 mile bike ride. For fun. Me. I did that. Crazy, I know.

Anyway, Scotland has several National Cycle Network routes, so I decided to venture out onto NCN 1, towards Cramond. The first part of the cycle was on a seperate cycle path, which was nice, but I really started to enjoy it after NCN1 starts winding through various neighborhoods in the Cramond area. I love to see the houses and this was a fun way of seeing places I probably would never ordinarily see. The path then wound through some horse farms and pastures before coming to a junction with the Almond River Walkway.


I decide to cycle along the river and, with the exception of two unbelievably long and steep sets of stairs (up and down which I had to carry the bike), I was not disappointed. It was beautiful. Even with all the walkers and cyclers, it was so peaceful and a perfect blend of sensory stimulation: the sights of the flora and fauna; the sounds of the river rushing and the birds singing; the smells of the trees, flowers, and soil; and the feel of the breeze against my (by this point) sunburned skin!





At the end of the walkway (about 1.5 miles), I came to Cramond Island, which was packed full of people. Cramond Island is an island during high tide, but during low tide the water recedes so much that you can walk across to the island, which tons of people were out doing yesterday.

Out to Cramond Island

Boat Harbor at Cramond....
apparently landlocked during low tide

You can also play down on the beach, walk out to the water, swim in one of the small tide pools, picnic on the grass, play ball, or relax at one of the cafes. This is one of my new favorite places! I've never lived near the water and am realizing how much I love being at the shore. I particularly love the seaside here, because it is so untouched (there aren't any hotels and restaurants lining the beach). I am definitely going back.

The beach

Along the Firth of Forth

I ended the ride by biking along the Firth of Forth until Granton Harbour, at which point I did get a little lost going home (I paid a lot of attention to the directions I had looked up about how to get to Cramond, but didn't really take in the second part of the loop. Oops). The last part wasn't as nice, but it was an absolutely perfect day for a bike ride and I loved every minute ot it. I can't wait to go out again!

Family Picture Session

My mom and dad left Edinburgh on Friday, after a lovely 10 day visit. They were great guests and we had a really nice visit with them. My parents were incredible on this visit too---walking all over and managing to see quite a lot. They even ventured out of Edinburgh, on the train, by themselves. I'm impressed. Anyway, more to come on their trip, but first a little impromptu photo session, eagerly spurred on by mom, during a perfect sunny afternoon in Princess Street Gardens, on their last day in Edinburgh (last day of this trip, that is).

Mom and Joe
what a pair!

Mom and Dad
so cute....

Nearly 47 years of marriage (+5 of dating)
They are still making out in public.

My mom is not happy that I am taller

My two favorite guys
(also my two favorite PIBs/PIAs)

Cheezy--to the max
All of us

BBQ

Yesterday was a beautiful summer day in Edinburgh. And, I do mean beautiful. Warm (hot, even), sunny, nice breeze and not a hint of rain. So, we made good use of the unusually perfect weather and did the only thing possible: hosted an impromptu cook out.

We actually did our first cook-out at the end of April as a "leaving do" for our friends, the Turchins, who recently moved back to the States. That was a fun night, though saddened by the good-byes, but we didn't get any pictures. So, I was determined to get a few yesterday so I could post our newfound summer joy.

The delicious spread (sans meat, which was on the grill)

When we were getting ready for the leaving party, Joe commissioned a hunt for the perfect grill to complete our private little garden and found a charcoal one reminiscent of laid back, summer cook outs. It's been a much loved, and well used addition and has grilled up some tasty burgers and brats over the past few weeks. Joe, it turns out, is quite a good griller!

As you may remember, our garden area is right off our living room, but is only accessible through the window. Makes for some fun passing food in and out and crawling out there in order to sit around the grill.


It was such a nice night, and since it is staying light so late (sunset is after 9:30 these days), we were able to stay outside until 1130 or so just enjoying the sights and sounds of passersby and company of good friends.

Scotty, Rebecca, Nathalie, Ashli, Matt, Joe

BBQ, beer, and buds...this, I think, will be a common occurrence this summer!

Happy Birthday, Melissa!

Today, my sister, Melissa, is celebrating her birthday. So, I wanted to take a minute to wish her a happy and special day.

Melissa is a pretty amazing woman. She juggles a lot and does so with grace, thoughtfulness, and integrity. She is an advocate for many through her law practice, is raising one of the greatest little girls ever, and works hard at making a home for her family. And, she still finds time for her baby sister. She has been a great friend to me--always listening and supporting any time--it's nice to know she's just a phone call away. Melissa, I love and appreciate you very much and am glad you are my sister! Happy Birthday.

Visitors

April showers bring May....visitors? That seems to be the trend around the Rivera home. May didn't just bring longer days, brighter sunshine, and gorgeous flowers but also our first visitors from home!

Joe's friend, Sai, has the honor of being our very first guest here in Edinburgh. He was here for about 5 days, and then again for an afternoon/overnight. Sai and Joe enjoyed their time, walking about Edinburgh, enjoying some pubs, and having some fun evenings at home.

Just yesterday, my parents arrived for a 10 day visit. They get the prize for the lengthiest journey to visit us....not a prize they were meant to win, but a delay, ash-cloud detour, and two missed flights put them over the 20 hour mark on travel. They seem to have rebounded well and spent the day gallivanting about Edinburgh. We've already been having a nice visit and are looking forward to sharing our new home with them.

Then, just a few days after my parents leave, Joe's little brother, Alex, is going to come for a 10 day trip. He get the biggest deal award: this is Alex's first trip overseas, his first flight, and a trip to celebrate his high school graduation. Can't top that!

We're excited about all of our guests and will not doubt be kept busy. But, I'll do my best to keep the blog updated with stories of our adventures (mostly in an attempt to entice you all to come visit as well!!)

Wheels

Recently, I made an exciting purchase that has brought a whole new world of adventure to my life: a bike.

Yes, after 8 months of walking everywhere, I got a bit tired of the long commutes to work and the store and decided to buy a bike. If I'm being honest, I'll tell you that pretty much the only thing I thought of when deciding to make this purchase is that biking to work takes half the time of walking. I figured I'd take the same path that I walk, which is flat, so it would be a breeze to cycle my way to the office every day. It took one day, one way to realize that I did not consider all the factors.

To all my friends here in Edinburgh who encouraged me by suggesting that the ride to work is actually down hill. You are right. It is. But that means it is uphill on the way back. And, those hills that are barely noticeable walking can be downright painful riding. Plus, has anyone noticed that there are some serious hills here in Edinburgh?

Plus, despite Edinburgh's wide network of bike paths, there is no way to get from point A to point B without riding on the road. With cars. And buses. And cranky drivers who apparently don't care about bikers.

Even on the paths there are dangers....unleashed dogs, pedestrians (90% of whom seem oblivious to bikers), other bikers, and--seriously--birds.

I won't even mention cobblestone roads. Ouch.

My biggest obstacle: the twice daily traumatic flashbacks I have every time I ride over this little patch of slick, wet pavement on the Water of Leith walkway, near our flat. Really. I kid you not. Twice a day I ride over this and I instinctively remember a bike ride I took with my dad, along the Olentangy River, when I was a little girl. I was wearing a cute lavender and white shorts and tank top outfit that I loved. My bike slipped on a slick patch of the path and I fell. Hard. Ruined my outfit. Pretty sure I got scraped up a bit too.

But, you will be proud, I have taken my new calling as a cycler to heart and have endeavored to meet these challenges (helmet-covered) head on. I have biked to and from work every day for two weeks. I have even biked to client appointments which involved some long distance, uphill journeys along heavily trafficked roads (okay, well, I actually did get scared once and ended up walking on the side walk with my bike for half a mile, but that part isn't really important). I even rode to church in the rain. After 2 weeks, I am more confident riding in the street and don't have to get off my bike any more to walk around various obstacles. Walkers don't pass me anymore.

I think I've arrived.

Just call me Amanda Dangerfield.

(p.s. Apparently this choice to bike is also quite environmentally friendly and has loads of health benefits. So, actually you can just call me awesome).