To Inverness to Visit Mary, Jeni, and Kids

Today we travelled north to Inverness to meet up with some friends of dad's...His old landlady from Inverness, Mary MacDonald, and her granddaughter Jeni (whom dad has made good friends with via email and letters).  Jeni and her husband David (we were not able to meet him as he was at work) have three kids, Angus, Isla & Katie, that were eagerly awaiting our arrival. Dad had not met Jeni before.  He lived with her grandparents Mary & Pat MacDonald and their two children, Jean (Jeni's mum) & Callum while serving in Inverness in 1963.  Since then Pat, Jean and Callum have all passed away, leaving only Mary and Jeni in Inverness.

On our way into town we stopped at the Kilvean cemetery to visit the graves/memorial of Pat, Jean & Callum.  After some searching through the cemetery and a vist to the office, we found them and dad was able to 'pay them a visit'.  We then drove over to Jeni's house.  It was so cute when we pulled up as there were little heads that kept popping into the front window with eager anticipation. What a fantastic little family!!  The girls were adorable...Katie was very energetic and made super duper friends with mom...and Angus was an amazing lad.  They gave dad a highland cup of friendship and he gave them USU & Smithfield Blue Sox/Fire Dept gear.  After spending some time with them Jeni lead us to the nursing home where Mary now resides, via way of dad's old digs.  After a quick picture at the old house, we were ready to go see Mary.  It was so fun to see how excited both her and dad were to see each other.  She is a fun old lady and kept saying how she will think of this day for a long time.  Her and dad reminisced, shared memories and laughed.  It was a great afternoon!

On our way back into Fort Augustus we saw a big old ship coming down the locks.  We rushed to get pictures and see it come through the last gate.  It was pretty cool.  It is great to see how much dad enjoys watching boats come through the locks.  I know the lock workers will notice his absence when we are gone.  :-). Only two days left in Scotland....crazy how fast time has flown!

Dad at Jean's grave and Callum's memorial.

Dad at Pat's grave.

Dad and mom with Angus, Jeni and Katie.  Isla had gone shopping with her BFF.  :-)

Dad and Mary

Dad out in front of his digs in Inverness.  He was able to see all the places he lived while in Scotland, with the exception of Dundee.

The big boat that was coming through the locks.

Isla, Angus, Jeni and Katie wearing their gear dad brought to them. Jeni sent this picture to dad after we had left Inverness.  How fun!!!!

One of the cloister garden windows here at the abbey...taken at night looking in.  I love how the stars stand out...I hadn't really even noticed them til this picture.