David E. Gordon's Blog, page 2
December 31, 2017
New Year
As Christmas has passed and I await the New Year I find myself reflecting on the past year. Like so many others we consider what went well, what didn’t, and what we want to “fix” for next year. I don’t know why people always think we have to fix things in our lives. I don’t consider my life broken. I look back at the year and instead think of ways to improve.
Sure there are the obvious choices of places to improve. The cliches that come with New Year Resolutions. Let’s be healthier, happier, more positive, and enjoy work more. Who couldn’t use a little healthy eating, or working out in their lives. Fortunately, I have a good support partner who is just as determined as me to improve. So, we will start off the year right by doing the right things – eating healthier and working out more. Skip meats, use the elliptical unit for something more than a conversation piece.
I’m pretty happy with my life, so don’t feel the need to “fix” it. But, there are always way to improve things. I’m generally a pretty positive person, always looking for ways to see the positive side. Unless I’m driving, then I am positive no one else on the road can drive but me. That leaves me with work. Some days it’s a job, not a career and I don’t really feel like going in. But it’s a good job and I take pride in my work – both in the outcome as well as the effort. I like to think that I am improving things and making it better and easier for the people I support, but I know there is always room for improvement.
If you are reading this, thank you. It’s been awhile since I posted to my blog and this is one of my resolutions. To do more of it – more writing in general, more positivity, and more blog writing. I’ve had an amazing year of travel, seeing and experiencing new things. And I look forward to the 2018 adventures that we will have. This isn’t just a new year, its a new opportunity to write a new chapter in our personal books.
I hope that as you look back on the past year you see the many good things and use those to carry you in to 2018. Enjoy this New Year in any way you can. And don’t forgo the list of resolutions. Let’s all stick with them. Together. I hope you have a good year full of joy, happiness, love, and success.
December 27, 2017
Holidays
As the Christmas holiday passes by we can look around at the opened presents, the decorations and lights no longer special, and the leftovers clogging the refrigerator. All of the buying, cooking, and planning are behind us. Now we have the memories. Whether there are four people for dinner or a houseful for multiple meals, we were surrounded by family and friends. For some, it’s a tradition to visit family and use this as a time to reconnect.
As much as I enjoy getting gifts, especially from my now young adult children, I enjoy giving even more. Christmas isn’t about the shiny new “thing”, it’s about giving. It’s about letting someone know that you cared enough to find just the right gift. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. Some of my favorite gifts are the homemade ones. The gift doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to say that you love the person, and that you were thinking of them.
Maybe for some it is a “requirement” to spend the time with our families. To rekindle the days of love and happiness. To laugh about the silly things we did. To discuss what the future might hold, and what we can look forward to in the coming months or even years. But, it’s the part of Christmas that I look forward to the most. This is the time to put our phones down and talk. To sit longer over a cup of coffee or glass of wine.
My wish for the coming year is that Christmas is not the only day for that. My wish is to make the time to linger over coffee. To visit with our families and deepen the bonds of our love, support, and caring for each other. To press pause on our busy lives and just enjoy each other’s company. Here’s to a year full of joy and happiness, with plenty of reasons to linger over one more cup or drink.
April 4, 2016
Leeds Author Event 2016
Have you ever been told about a party in an off-hand way? Such as “hey this should be fun”. And you think that does sound like fun. And then you think – it’s too bad you can’t go. That’s the way I felt when I first heard about the Leeds’ Author Event. It sounded like it would be fun – so many authors all in one place and then a masquerade ball. All for a good benefit too. But, come on! I live in America and Leeds is across the pond. There’s no way I can go. So I wrote it off.
Then I heard a few more things and saw the list of authors. Some of whom I am friends with on Facebook. And again I thought – wow that would be fun for sure. But again – I live in America! There is no way I could actually go. Then one cold Saturday morning in January I got a little curious and started checking things out. An hour later I had a plan in place to get there. And then it wasn’t a question anymore about going to Leeds. It was now a fact.
I worked all day on Thursday March 3rd, jumped on a plane and the following morning touched down in Manchester – during a snow storm. About two hours later I arrived in Leeds and after checking in went to visit to the Royal Armory. Since I was leaving early on Sunday morning I decided to arrange for my taxi back to the airport.
My first realization that I was in for a special weekend was when I saw two young ladies approach me smiling. The dark haired girl said “are you David E. Gordon? The American author?” and smiling I nodded as a glimmer of recognition edged it’s way into my mind. Without warning the blonde girl jumped at me and wrapped me in a big hug and said “It’s me Georgiana!” Well – I don’t know a Georgiana, so I just smiled. Realization set in and I was hugging Francesca Marlow. Of course, it took about 20 minutes before I realized – with a little help – that the other woman was Victoria L. James.
We made our way into the hotel bar and met several more attendees – authors, bloggers, and writers. But, I nervously awaited the arrival of someone I thought I would never actually meet. Claire Allmendinger is my editor and without her I likely would not be a published author. I had an idea of when they were supposed to arrive so I headed out to the lobby on a whim. I looked through the crowd of people checking in and there she was – Claire. We hugged for a long moment – neither of us believing this would ever happen.
I spent the rest of the night meeting more authors and friends from Facebook like Lisa Fulham, Eleanor Lloyd-Jones, Cameron Lincoln, and so many more. We had a great time as we talked, laughed, drank, and even found a way to have dinner. Even if the first two places didn’t work out – at least I got to see Leeds from the ground up. Whether we drank the wine or splashed it on Lisa we still had a lot of fun and went to bed way too late.
Saturday was really cool for me as I had never been to an author signing. Especially one with about 30 or 40 authors. It was so cool to see the effort these people went to for the signing. With banners and swag all over it was hard to imagine all of their hard work. I have written two books of my own and taken part in two compilations. I carried both compilations with me so that I could get as many signatures as possible on my copies. I was also quite pleased to sign copies for my fellow authors who had their copies.
If the day was special, the evening was even more special with a masquerade ball to benefit the Mind charity. The hostesses Jo and Rachel from Hourglass Events did an amazing job with the event. The music was fun and it didn’t stop until very late in the night. It took awhile for me to get on the floor also, but once I saw “the worm” in person I just had to dance. There were give-aways, good food, and quite a few drinks consumed. When I finally went to bed that night I slept well and dreamt of what an amazing trip this had been.
There are a lot of lessons I could take away from this trip. About an author signing event, about how a well planned event is run, and about the hard work that an author always has to go through. The job doesn’t end when you type “the end” in fact some would say that is when the job actually starts.
But, what I will always take away from this trip is the adventure. The next time there is an opportunity to go somewhere or do something I haven’t done, my response won’t be “no I can’t”. Instead, I will start by saying I can – and then find out if I can’t. Too often in life we spend more time saying “I can’t” and not enough time saying “why not”. And if you have the passion to do something, to experience something then do it and experience it.
September 11, 2015
Life keeps moving
I have been thinking lately about writing a blog post and the theme that keeps coming to mind is “life goes on”. Today on September 11th for a lot of people it didn’t. And I am also sure that for a lot of people that day it felt like life couldn’t go on. But it does.
As I look out at the dark skies I am reflecting on my life and this idea that “life goes on”. It sure does. Some days it feels like time is flying by and before we know it anything week, month, and year have passed us by. I saw a quote from F. Scott Fitzgerald that said “you are never too old nor too young to start”.
I consider myself a perfect example of that. A little more than ten years someone fabulous came into my life and taught about all of the fun things in life and traveling. I never had the time or inclination to travel. Now we travel so much I do feel like a gypsy. It doesn’t matter where we go, but that we are going. And together we can have a good time.
A few years ago I was bored and started to write. With some starts and stops I did something amazing a year ago and published my first novel. Then a few months ago I published my second. And I am now working on my third. And I enjoy telling the story of my characters.
Life doesn’t always give us what we want. Sometimes it gives us what we need. There are hundreds of quotes or “words to live by”. I think the simplest thing is to remember that life will keep moving forward. We just have to be willing to enjoy the life we have. And to have the strength and courage to try something new.
I think it’s better to say “I tried” than to say “I can’t”. Smile every morning because today is another day and there will be another reason to smile. Share that smile with a stranger. Say “good morning” or have a good day to someone. Two small words can make a difference in someone’s life that we will never imagine.
But mostly – just have a great day. One day added on to the day before and added on to tomorrow can make for a great week. And now before you know it, it’s been a great month and a great year.
This is me smiling and wishing you a “good day”!!
May 20, 2015
ANOTHER CUTTER – Release Day
Another Cutter by David E Gordon
Author: David E Gordon
Genre: Thriller/Suspense
Synopsis:
Fortune, family, love…
Secrets, hidden pasts, dangerous liaisons…
How much would you risk to protect the people you care about the most?
Self-made billionaire Robert Cutter made his money investing in struggling companies. When one of his most valued and trusted employees begins to act erratically it pulls Robert into a swirl of dangerous situations. Things escalate quickly and not only puts his life in danger, but that of his family and close friends.
Robert now has the life and family he never imagined for himself. He has to choose between protecting his immediate family, and those he considers “family”. As the past and secrets are revealed, Robert finds himself questioning things at his very core – his decision-making.
And protecting his family may just mean losing the family he never knew he had.
Buy the Book
Author Bio
I live in Southern New Jersey with my amazing wife, who is also my best friend. We live just outside of Philadelphia and about an hour from an awesome selection of beaches. It was on a beach that I wrote my first short story and I love to spend as much time as possible there. There is something so invigorating about the sun and the blue skies.
When not working on writing books or my blog I am a husband to an amazing woman, and a father to two fantastic young adults. I am also a corporate finance professional that spends the rest of my time helping executives and business leaders improve and grow their business. It is some of this experience, which has helped bring this story and the sequel to life.
Please also check out my blog at WordPress Blog
Social Links:
Facebook: Facebook
Goodreads: Goodreads
Twitter: @DEGordonAuthor
Goodreads Book Link: Goodreads Book Link
Excerpt:
The Mayor was seated at one of the couches and stood as Robert approached. The admin offered a drink, which Robert declined. The men shook hands and Robert noticed that the aid left the office with the admin. There were several folders spread across the table in front of them, along with a tall glass of orange juice. He had heard that the Mayor was cutting back on his caffeine.
“Robert… may I call you Robert?”
“Yes sir, Robert is just fine. How can I help you today?”
“First, I wanted to thank you for stopping by on such short notice. I heard you were in the building and I had a meeting cancel on me. So this seemed like an opportunity I couldn’t pass up on. I understand that your soccer tournament was incredibly successful. My nephew was on one of the teams and his family came for dinner on Sunday. I hope we will see many more of these types of tournaments, they are vital to the kids in our communities and highlight so well the good things being done.”
“Thank you, Sir. That is very kind of you, and I am glad to hear your nephew enjoyed it. My son had a wonderful time as well. But, I don’t think that was why you really called me in here?”
“Very perceptive as always, Robert. No, it’s not. There is a couple of things that I wanted to discuss. The first is that the city will be awarding you with a Man of the City award. This usually goes through a media person, but I wanted to tell you myself. This is not a politically motivated award at all. Please believe that. What you did for that neighborhood, the park, and the kids all over the city is nothing short of amazing. I am personally proud to know you. Thank you.”
As the Mayor continued to speak he reached over and shook hands with him again. “My media group will be reaching out to your folks. I will defer to you as to how we do this, but I was hoping you would accept it at a fundraiser I am having in a couple of months. The fundraiser is actually for the Policeman’s Widows and Orphan’s Fund. Given your history I thought that would be appropriate.”
“Thank you, Mr. Mayor. That is incredibly kind of you to say. I will do my best to be available. Have your team call my office and I will make sure that Jennifer knows to make me available.”
Before The Mayor spoke he handed Robert a file. “This is for your eyes only Robert. There is an opportunity for an investment that I think you might enjoy. Because of the investment itself the city has to be involved. While not owners, partners, or investors, the city has a vested interest so we sit on the board. As I said, this is highly confidential and has not been publicized by anyone. Those involved are doing their best to keep it as quiet as possible. As you will see when you take a look, as soon as the process is officially started it becomes public knowledge.
I will warn you of one thing should you decide to move forward. Because of the investment it requires intense scrutiny by several very public organizations, including the federal government. I am only telling you this because of what Moffit is up to. Between me and you, he is on a witch hunt for no apparent reason except that I know he is up for reelection next year, and he may have a serious competitor.”
“Thank you, Mr. Mayor for this opportunity. I will take a look at it carefully. I hope you did not put yourself into any unfavorable positions by giving me this. You have been an asset to this city.”
The Mayor chuckled at this. “Thanks, Robert, I don’t usually get business approving of my politics. And no, as an interested ‘silent’ partner the city is permitted to recommend people for the investment.”
Both men stood and shook hands briefly. “Robert, I will keep an eye on the DA but I can’t do anything more than that. Unless of course he steps out of line.”
“Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I look forward to hearing from your media team and it will be an honor to accept the award from you.”
Other Books in the series
Cutter
Synopsis
Power, fortune, and prestige…
Greed, threats, and dangerous liaisons…
Nothing is worth your life, but is your life worth living?
Self made billionaire Robert Cutter made his money investing in struggling companies. Plagued by “accidents”, it becomes apparent that someone is trying to kill him. Injured by a concussion in one of the accidents, the agonizing realization is that his not-so-perfect past is coming into clear focus.
Cutter has everything a man could ask for – money, women, cars, houses, and power. But, with the latest attempts on his life, he starts to rethink his life and evoke change. Soon he begins to realize that was important is no longer that significant. He thought he had everything, but he had nothing.
Buy Links
Amazon.com – Amazon US
Amazon.co.uk – Amazon UK
Nook – Nook
May 17, 2015
Another Cutter Excerpt
This is an excerpt from Another Cutter being released on Wednesday May 20th. I hope you enjoy.
Max was standing a couple of feet away from Robert, on his left side, and the driver was a couple of feet away, on the right side. The game was well underway and Sam’s team was winning when he saw Joseph approaching. Suddenly Robert tensed, as he saw Max straighten up, his whole body and mind seemed to be on high alert. With a quick motion of his hand the driver closed in beside Robert and just behind him. The man’s hand reaching for Robert’s arm as he said, “With me, sir,” and guided him towards the SUV.
One moment the parents were cheering on their sons’ and daughters’ soccer teams, and the next there was chaos everywhere. Joseph had broken into a full speed run cutting across the soccer field towards Sam, dodging several of the small children as he raced forward. The driver protecting Robert stopped and knocked him to the ground, as Max went into a crouch, his gun in his hand and sweeping across the field. As Robert landed hard on his left shoulder he saw that Joseph also had his gun out.
The first shot rang out and Robert saw the cop standing beside his car go down, as he was just starting to free his gun from its holster. The bullet tore through the cop’s left leg and buried itself in the door behind him. With the driver covering him, all Robert could do was watch, in what seemed like incredibly slow motion, as another shot rang out. Robert saw a shooter go down on the far side of the field, the rifle falling to the ground from his lifeless hands. More shots could be heard as the children scattered from the field, parents and children, trying to find each other.
Robert watched as Joseph reached Sam and in one fluid motion pulled him under his arm and took off for the SUV. The driver, kneeling in front of Robert, was firing behind Joseph and Robert saw another man go down. There were four more men charging the field with guns firing at the driver and Max. Robert had not even noticed that Max had moved onto the field and was running an intercept with Joseph, firing as he ran. Another man went down, and then Robert felt the driver topple over.
The man’s gun lay on the ground beside him. Robert saw him clutching his shoulder with blood pouring from the wound. Robert grabbed the gun and, despite yells from Joseph, he stood up and ran towards them. Robert remembered what Joseph had taught him about handling the gun and held it, pointing down. The gun tight in both hands as he ran on. Max had passed Joseph and Sam, stopped and dropped to one knee. He was firing at the three men still advancing on them, and Robert saw in horror, that Max’s left arm was hanging to his side useless.
Robert couldn’t tell where the other shots were coming from – he guessed from one of Max’s team that was hiding some place. Whoever it was, he was an amazing shot. He fired one at a time, and each time found his mark. Robert passed Joseph carrying Sam, and Joseph shot him a look. He knelt and fired at the approaching men, leading him as Joseph had taught him. He saw the shooter he aimed at slow down as he grabbed his side and then topple as another bullet hit him. The third man was taken off his feet and toppled backward as Max hit him with several shots to the chest. The last man continued to run towards Robert and Max firing as he ran, trying to avoid the bullets flying at him. Just as it seemed like he was going to finally find one of them, the shooter’s arms flung wide. He staggered forward for several more steps, his eyes already lifeless as he fell forward into the grass.
Max turned to Robert, as shouts of “clear” could be heard. Robert leaped up to his feet, desperately needing to check on Sam. As his eyes ran over the scene before him, he noticed the driver was sitting up with another gun in his good hand. He also saw two men jogging towards them and he stiffened before realizing they were part of Max’s team. Robert turned looking around wildly searching and then saw Sam sitting on the ground crying. Beside him lay Joseph and he didn’t appear to be moving. Robert looked at Max and the two took off running.
May 15, 2015
Beer Tasting on a Disney Cruise
Posted by Disney Parks Blog
We’ve covered several of the tastings adults can indulge in on a Disney cruise, from wine and Champagne, to liquors and cocktails. Last but not least, I’ll tell you about our seminar on the world’s most widely consumed alcoholic beverage, beer. In this tasting, the bartender will go through the interesting history of beer, the…
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DisneyParks/~3/xhRpXAdT_l4/
May 13, 2015
Another Cutter – Cover Reveal
Another Cutter
Genre: Suspense/Thriller
Author: David E. Gordon
Synopsis:
Fortune, family, love…
Secrets, hidden pasts, dangerous liaisons…
How much would you risk to protect the people you care about the most?
Self-made billionaire Robert Cutter made his money investing in struggling companies. When one of his most valued and trusted employees begins to act erratically it pulls Robert into a swirl of dangerous situations. Things escalate quickly and not only puts his life in danger, but that of his family and close friends.
Robert now has the life and family he never imagined for himself. He has to choose between protecting his immediate family, and those he considers “family”. As the past and secrets are revealed, Robert finds himself questioning things at his very core – his decision-making.
And protecting his family may just mean losing the family he never knew he had.
Author Bio
I live in Southern New Jersey with my amazing wife, who is also my best friend. We live just outside of Philadelphia and about an hour from an awesome selection of beaches. It was on a beach that I wrote my first short story and I love to spend as much time as possible there. There is something so invigorating about the sun and the blue skies.
When not working on writing books or my blog I am a husband to an amazing woman, and a father to two fantastic young adults. I am also a corporate finance professional that spends the rest of my time helping executives and business leaders improve and grow their business. It is some of this experience, which has helped bring this story and the sequel to life.
Please also check out my blog at http://www.DavidEGordonAuthor.wordpress.com
Social Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Davidegordonauthor?fref=ts
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8444413.David_E_Gordon
Twitter: @DEGordonAuthor
Blog: http://www.davidegordonauthor.wordpress.com/
Excerpt
Max was standing a couple of feet away from Robert, on his left side, and the driver was a couple of feet away, on the right side. The game was well underway and Sam’s team was winning when he saw Joseph approaching. Suddenly Robert tensed, as he saw Max straighten up, his whole body and mind seemed to be on high alert. With a quick motion of his hand the driver closed in beside Robert and just behind him. The man’s hand reaching for Robert’s arm as he said, “With me, sir,” and guided him towards the SUV.
One moment the parents were cheering on their sons’ and daughters’ soccer teams, and the next there was chaos everywhere. Joseph had broken into a full speed run cutting across the soccer field towards Sam, dodging several of the small children as he raced forward. The driver protecting Robert stopped and knocked him to the ground, as Max went into a crouch, his gun in his hand and sweeping across the field. As Robert landed hard on his left shoulder he saw that Joseph also had his gun out.
The first shot rang out and Robert saw the cop standing beside his car go down, as he was just starting to free his gun from its holster. The bullet tore through the cop’s left leg and buried itself in the door behind him. With the driver covering him, all Robert could do was watch, in what seemed like incredibly slow motion, as another shot rang out. Robert saw a shooter go down on the far side of the field, the rifle falling to the ground from his lifeless hands. More shots could be heard as the children scattered from the field, parents and children, trying to find each other.
Robert watched as Joseph reached Sam and in one fluid motion pulled him under his arm and took off for the SUV. The driver, kneeling in front of Robert, was firing behind Joseph and Robert saw another man go down. There were four more men charging the field with guns firing at the driver and Max. Robert had not even noticed that Max had moved onto the field and was running an intercept with Joseph, firing as he ran. Another man went down, and then Robert felt the driver topple over.
The man’s gun lay on the ground beside him. Robert saw him clutching his shoulder with blood pouring from the wound. Robert grabbed the gun and, despite yells from Joseph, he stood up and ran towards them. Robert remembered what Joseph had taught him about handling the gun and held it, pointing down. The gun tight in both hands as he ran on. Max had passed Joseph and Sam, stopped and dropped to one knee. He was firing at the three men still advancing on them, and Robert saw in horror, that Max’s left arm was hanging to his side useless.
Robert couldn’t tell where the other shots were coming from – he guessed from one of Max’s team that was hiding some place. Whoever it was, he was an amazing shot. He fired one at a time, and each time found his mark. Robert passed Joseph carrying Sam, and Joseph shot him a look. He knelt and fired at the approaching men, leading him as Joseph had taught him. He saw the shooter he aimed at slow down as he grabbed his side and then topple as another bullet hit him. The third man was taken off his feet and toppled backward as Max hit him with several shots to the chest. The last man continued to run towards Robert and Max firing as he ran, trying to avoid the bullets flying at him. Just as it seemed like he was going to finally find one of them, the shooter’s arms flung wide. He staggered forward for several more steps, his eyes already lifeless as he fell forward into the grass.
Max turned to Robert, as shouts of “clear” could be heard. Robert leaped up to his feet, desperately needing to check on Sam. As his eyes ran over the scene before him, he noticed the driver was sitting up with another gun in his good hand. He also saw two men jogging towards them and he stiffened before realizing they were part of Max’s team. Robert turned looking around wildly searching and then saw Sam sitting on the ground crying. Beside him lay Joseph and he didn’t appear to be moving. Robert looked at Max and the two took off running.
Other Books in the Series
Cutter
Synopsis
Power, fortune, and prestige…
Greed, threats, and dangerous liaisons…
Nothing is worth your life, but is your life worth living?
Self made billionaire Robert Cutter made his money investing in struggling companies. Plagued by “accidents”, it becomes apparent that someone is trying to kill him. Injured by a concussion in one of the accidents, the agonizing realization is that his not-so-perfect past is coming into clear focus.
Cutter has everything a man could ask for – money, women, cars, houses, and power. But, with the latest attempts on his life, he starts to rethink his life and evoke change.
Soon he begins to realize that was important is no longer that significant.
He thought he had everything, but he had nothing.
Buy Links
Amazon.com – http://amzn.to/1ppS8Xx
Amazon.co.uk – http://amzn.to/1C9QYnh
May 12, 2015
Traveling to Scotland – Part II
The following day we drove from a small seaside town named Nairn – with a Gordon Street – to the Culloden Battlefield. For those of you that watch Outlander, it is a real place. And quite amazing to see in person. It is a wide open field full of marsh and bog lands. There are the markers everywhere for the various clans. And of course the large memorial for those that died that day. The sense of history throughout the country is just amazing, but this really hits it out of the park. Simple yet strong in it’s silence.
From Culloden we drove through the beautiful countryside to Loch Ness. My wife is a believer and I wanted to share in her excitement for it. It was breathtakingly beautiful all around and the history and scientific research was rather amazing. My wife even got a copy of one of the books signed by the author who just happened to be there. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to cruise the lake, which is huge to say the least. If I was a Loch Ness Monster I couldn’t think of a better place to live out my days.
From there we rode the train – we both agreed that was enough driving – to Stirling where we visited Castle Doune and castle Stirling. Again, for your Outlander fans Castle Doune is quite amazing to see first hand. It is not large by any stretch of the imagination. But, you can just feel the history and imagine how the clans and their people must have lived in the 1700’s and well before. It was a foggy morning so we were not able to visit the William Wallace memorial, but by the time we were ready to leave the city the fog had cleared so we could see it. Castle Stirling was another example of the history of this country and how the lairds didn’t rule, but took care of everyone like they were family.
Our last two days were spent in Edinburgh and it was an amazing way to end the trip. Seeing this large city, and yet still feeling like we were in a small town at times. The new pubs, and expensive shops surrounding the Castle on the Hill. Once again, we can see how the castle wasn’t just for a laird but it was a huge part of the city. We were lucky to be there for the daily 1pm cannon firing and even that gave us a sense of history. Not that the cobblestones, small stone buildings, or tiny little chapel didn’t lend to the history. It was amazing to walk through these buildings and see the city from the top of the hill.
I started off thinking this was going to be a nice vacation. A good time for us to get away for a few days and enjoys the time away from work. But, it turned out to be an incredibly special trip. For example, finding a small Writer’s Museum. The Balmoral was quite the hotel and the bar had over 400 varieties of scotch. Of which the barman helped you find one by learning what you normally drank.
Every one we encountered was not just nice, but very friendly and eager to help. I will always remember the rolling hills, the snow capped mountains, the history, the scotch, the sheep, and especially the people. We were constantly on the move and it was tiring, but it was a great trip. For anyone considering a trip to Scotland I would highly recommend it. Bring your walking shoes and your camera, because there is a lot to see and you will not want to miss a thing.
Traveling to Scotland – Part I
About a month ago my wife and I traveled to Scotland for about a week. I was looking forward to getting away and visiting a country I had never seen before. I had read a couple of travel books, a website or two, and looked through several travel websites. I sort of knew what to expect – a country with big cities as well as small cities. A country known for it’s Scotch, for it’s history, and for it’s Loch Ness Monster. A country known for it’s clans, for it’s kilts, for it’s sheep, and for it’s mountains, and stone formations. And as I learned for very good shortbread biscuits and a good rail system as well. One other thing I knew about Scotland – they drive on the left side of the road, and the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. Both opposite of the United States, where I have been driving for several decades.
We flew into Edinburgh and took a train to St. Andrews. The home of golf and this year the home to The Open Championship. The weather was typical for Scotland – which means it drizzled and rained. But, it didn’t matter – we were in Scotland on vacation. The Old Course Hotel was quite nice with a mix of new and old. We didn’t stay but after a short walk around town and the course, we had a nice relaxing tea looking out over the course. The train was delightful and rolling along through the countryside was a great way to travel and see the country. We rode along the coast and watched the small farms go past. The mountains, the hills, the green fields, and the sheep. All of which I was to learn where plentiful in Scotland.
We spent Friday night in Aberdeen near the airport so that in the morning it would be a quick walk to pick up our rental car. Yes, this was the start of a two day adventure behind the wheel of a car. The best way to describe driving in Scotland for me was – awkward. But, I got used to it and just had to keep telling myself – turn right, stay left. It was something we joked about doing, but I really enjoyed it. Mostly. And got used to it rather quickly. And even my wife – not a great passenger – said I did well. Saturday was to be “Gordon” day and it turned out to be so much more. And the weather turned out to be very un-Scottish – warm and sunny.
In the morning we went to visit the Gordon Highlander museum, as they are known for their military and strategic prowess. It was amazing to see the uniforms from Napoleon’s days and from all of the wars since. It was interesting to learn more about the history of the Clan. Everyone was so incredibly nice and helpful – especially Jeffrey Gordon (not my son). Words and sayings such as “When you burn our kilt you roast our pride. You can take away the tartan but you cannot quench the spirit of the Gordons.”
From there we drove to Glenfiddich (pronounced Glenfidick) Distillery which I really enjoyed. We did a two and half hour tour of the distillery and I was surprised to find that they still do a lot of things in the traditional ways. Something a lot of distilleries don’t do as much. One interesting note is that while it was formed by the Grant family, the Gordon’s married into the family and have been a large part of the success and growth of the distillery. It was a Gordon who started the “Single Malt” category of scotch. And it was a Gordon who took the scotch to the world. At the end of the tour we got to not just sample different barrels of 15 year old scotch, but got to blend our own.
A few notes about the distillery – they go through 400 tons of barley in a day. The land around the distillery was purchased specifically because of the fresh spring that ran through it. They use American oak – bourbon barrels and Spanish Sherry barrels. Both of which give the scotch a very distinctive taste. And blending the different barrels makes for a very unique taste. I was also honored to share the tour with a descendent of the Grant family, and since the next day was my birthday he gave me his blended scotch.
