Another Winter's Day in the Life of Aussie Lord Stephen and Lady Di of Glencoe

Well, its a Monday and you know what they say about Mondays. Tis the day that the working week starts and any people love to take a sicky. Well I have been sick for a while so am sitting on the lounge writing whilst my grandson watches the television and plays with the end of the vacuum cleaner.

Laird Mason on his new transport mode :))

Am in the Blue Mountains of NSW today and its wet, misty and freezing cold. I have his littlest Lairdship sitting on the floor of our cabin watching Zigby - a cartoon on the television. He was standing at the glass doors looking out. I had only just finished wiping the windows down of moisture - its warmer inside so the window is streaming with condensation - that;s how cold it is. As the Laird (who is 20 months old) says - whydo pupdogblahblah grr - I think that means Why can;t I go outside with the dogs? LOL

Just looked up from the keyboard to see him kissing he television characters. LOL. He is a funny little man. I don;t usually like the television being on to keep children amused, but we aren't in a house so there isn't room to run about much but have allowed it to remain on to keep him amused while I do a bit of blogging.

From my doorway. Wet, Cold & Misty

I have some new puzzles that have shapes and automobiles for him to work out - it's working too. We have one of those old fashioned sketchographs - now that has been entertaining! He loves scribbling and using the shapes stamps on that.

Newest Blogger

Had to stop doing my sewing cause little fingers want to help me ll the time, and I have to watch he doesn't pull out my wireless internet connection again. Gosh he keeps me busy. His Lordship is busily making some metalwork flowers and animals for a nursery. They're are looking good and apparently sell well. Its freezing in the workshop, his Lordship has a fire going in there but says his right hand is freezing. Has a heap of left hand gloves - cause they don't wear away as quick as the right handed ones. Happens when you're dealing with hot metals.

How could I not love Laird Mason? Blowing a kiss to Nan.

Still waiting on his Lairdships little brother's arrival. He obviously is waiting his full 'cooking' time in Mummies tummy. His Lordship and I are eagerly awaiting the safe arrival of our newest grandson and can't wait to show him off to you all, and of course get in for a cuddle. Hope his temperament is like his brother's. Have told my son and daughter in law, I am happy to have as many grandkids like this one as they wish to have. LOL

 

Climbed through the bottom rails, I thought he would get stuck (saw ready to cut him out it not), stood up and grabbed the other stool off me as I was putting it near the table, so put it on top and got this cheeky grin :))

Going to http://www.highlandtitles.com/ to purchase two new plots for the newest grandsons :)) Laird Mason and Laird ?? Why don't you do the same for your grandchildren and purchase a tree for it as well. Help reforest Glencoe Highlands. A truly unique and wonderful gift for anyone, even yourself.

Well it's almost sleep time for his Lairdship, he is starting to be a little naughty - something he does when tired - touch stuff he knows he isn't to touch and doing sleepy boy things - so it's bye from me for now.

:))) Lady Di

What Does One Say ??

I had a friend ask me yesterday about my 'Title", to which I asked what would you like to know? She then asked 'Well, how did you became a Lady?'

Of course I stated - I've always been a Lady as this was found out at my birth !!

You know there's a couple of differences when a child is born - it's a BOY or it's a GIRL !! That's the way announcements go. Well, she spat a little of her coffee, not LadyLike I'm afraid, and belted out a belly laugh, another not so LadyLike thing to do. After her little splutter and cough we chatted about the title. I told her about my mother in law being born in the Highland Barracks as her father was one of the Queens Guards throughout the 1930's. My friend was so impressed, after I told her the title was placed upon my grandfather-in-law. After ummming and ooooing, I couldn't keep from smiling myself. The story about Grandad is very true, alas the Ladyship and Lordship he passed along was not.

   I thought I would add a recent portrait of myself here :))

 

i CAME CLEAN HERE.I showed her my papers, and explained how I inherited a title upon purchasing a plot of land in Scotland, thereby becoming a Scottish Landowner. With our plots of land, we are able to plants trees helping our 'scottish roots' take hold in a grand way. What other way can we help our future 'children' if we do not look after our Earth, and restore the highlands to their former glory?

Terribly impressed, she asked when we visited our land last. I was able to show her photos on the internet - thank you Lords and Ladies of Glencoe. My pictures included my pets, and forbears, and the remnants of our castle :)

 

My Pet - 'Coe'  

A portrait done of my highland cattle

I have added some 'family' portraits here so you can see what glorious lineage I come from.

Jane's possible portrait

Our highland cattle has eaten everything but a few sods of earth. We purchase a special tree every year, to be placed on the highlands, and each time it's in one of our families names. Quite some time ago, both my Lordship and myself FOUND WE do come from titled persons, alas they did not pass them down to us the right way as there was problems in the past. Lord Stephens great Uncle Harold's Grandmother 'Jane' was a titled Lady herself. Though she was never known as such. Back in the years gone by, when a child was born early - now known as premature - that child was deemed to be born on the wrong side of the blanket - and possibly illegitimate and not the child of the supposed sire. I believe after the death of the original Lord, the first born son and the second and only other child born entered into a family dispute. This dispute ended up with all entailed being taken by the Chancellory, and the titles died with the parent.

 

As you can see - this castle is in good repair

Alas this castle is not - not even anywhere near me :))

Lord Stephen of Glencoe my Lordship

Not the reason for becoming Lord and Lady H though. I found a website by chance after looking up or what I call trying to find the Scottish roots of Steve and myself. I thought what a great wedding anniversary presie for His Lordship !! Always one for unusual or presents that one would not necessarily buy for oneself person, I deemed this to be perfect and went on to purchase same for myself - another little story there - joint anniversary presies - and one plot for Lord Nathan, Lord Brendan, Lady Kobe and little Laird Jordan :))) Usually I send Lord Steve up in the air in a Helicopter Lesson, or a Portrait (cartoon like) of him sitting on his motorbike, with one of our Schnauzer pups behind him, sword in hand and a cheesy grin, and the latest - a trip and luxury stay (c/-coupon buying - the canny Scot in me)  to the Great Ocean Road.

Me as a wee Lass

 

 

So Ladies, Lords and Lairds of Glencoe - What do you tell the people who ask you ?? I would love to see your written responses - so go ahead and add them here for all to see. It's actually a GREAT story to be told to all.

 

Many smiles - Lady Di

 

Another Laird of Glencoe is almost BORN !!!

How lucky am I? Lord Steve and I  have two beautiful grandsons and a third is on his way. No secrets here - my family (brothers included) are destined to be male dominated. My eldest brother and his wife have one son - probably thought that was enough and stopped. My own family consists of two boys and then lucky me, I had me a girl. My youngest brother has six - yes that's right - 6 boys!!! And now my own children look destined to follow suite. My father was one of three boys and Mum one of two girls, so you would think there would be some fairness and sharing of sexes. That is, at least some girls would come about - alas - like myself, there is one female per generation. My youngest son Lord B, has two boys - both pictured, and suprise, suprise, there is another little boy is about to be born - scan pic below.  He is coming to us next month! Hopefully in the future Lady K and her Navy Hubby ( he promises me all Naval men have girls !!!) and Lord N and his partner will also fill our hearts and our homes with children, though I am quite happy to have three gorgeous Granddogs to love :)))

This is Laird Jordan or JB - my eldest grandchild, who at 6 - almost 7 (not till December 10th) Nanna. He loves everything his Daddy likes. That is cars and motorbikes. He also loves hats - again like his Dad, and has amassed an amazing collection of them and little cars. The picture below shows him in his bedroom at Dad's. I started him off with some pirate things, and he seems to have got carried away with those too....or more probably his Dad. LOL.  He loves coming to see his Daddy and I think his favourite food is Mcdonalds and other fastfoods though he does adore chocolate milk and icecream.

This cheeky little chap is MJ, who will be two on November 1st. His smile lights up any room, and his enormous blue eyes which are exactly like Mummies, are gorgeous. Not sure why the car is in his mouth, probably cause his Mum calls him motormouth :)) Always welcomes his Nan and Pa will a cuddle and kiss. Runs to the door and swoops on us - just lovely !! The photo above shows him in his element, he also loves cars and is always mucking around with Daddy while he paints and fixes up mini-trucks. Dad is like his own father - they both love motorcycles - seems to be a thing with all the males in my family! Think little MJ may talk his Dad into getting him a motorbike, quicker rather than later. This little man loves his food - anything at all - and everything is his favourite. The kind of kid everyone loves to have around too. If they can make more like him, I'll take six - LOL. .



This is the latest little man on the right in his latest scan. Due in August and we can't wait to meet him! We may not be able to wait, but mother nature says we have to, so we will wait till Mummy obliges. In this image he is waving to his Daddy LOL. Now I will have to get busy and design another quilt for this little fellow. Have pretty well decided on wild animals - what no tartan!!! I will have to get some Glencoe Tartan for my boyz, so if anyone knows where I can get some in Australia - can you let me know please?

I will have to purchase a little more land and makes these youngest two little Lairds of Glencoe too :) Must get onto one of my favourite websites below, again soon as this latest little fellow gets here - need his full name - I know part of it - but the middle name is a secret !!!

http://lairdoflocaber.com

http://lochaberhighlandestates.com

http://highlandtitles.com

Chat again soon - Smiles - Lady Di :))

Challenge of the Ladies of Glencoe

Swords to face !

Sgian-dubhs in the socks!

Skean-dhu to the ready!

Mattucashlass - ouch - (tis double blade) to the fore!

Dirk in the hand!




Alasdair Ranaldson MacDonell of Glengarry - 1812



Alas my plot to be the winner of the Highland Competition, has attracted many newcomers!!!            I shall have to outwit and outsmart my components in this. And with the help of my weapons of choice - my words - I shall be in the running for the chance of a lifetime holiday visiting my land with my Lord at Glencoe !!!!

I suppose thats ok. A little competition in one's life
is good for the soul.

But TO WIN - is the ultimate achievement of words.

I see now though, I shall have to keep my words close to my BLOG so that you can follow me
to help that I may win my trip to Scotland. Watch my
fingers as they write about my life as a Lady of Glencoe
and in turn see me crowned the winner!!! I have been challenged to
a 'Blog Off', so read my words!!

Check my links on the right hand side of my blog for more information on you too becoming a Lady, Laird or Lord of the Highlands of Scotland. When you become such join me and my other Facebook Glencoeans at https://www.facebook.com/groups. You shalll be welcomed with pleasure



For more info - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sgian-dubh

Camping in Australia - Does it compare to Scotland ?

T'was a wondering about what it must be like to go camping in Scotland. In Australia, the word camping is still a politically correct term. I know Tramping is used in New Zealand and Trekking - well we do that too. So what is is called in Scotland??
Heaps of camping groups in an about the national parks and forests though you will need to get permission in some areas from National Parks & Wildlife office. We use the following term when going about our native bushlands and that - Take only photos, leave only footprints. Throughout the parks there are fire places ready made so you can make a cuppa, have a bbq or keep warm - BUT - if its summer in Australia you MUST adhere to Bush Fire danger periods and not light any of these at all. No naked flames allowed.

The bush track to Patterson Camping Groungs, Kurrajong Hills NSW

Wikipedia tells us the following about camping in Scotland though I would advise looking up http://www.highlandtitles.com/ or such and let them know that youre coming for a wee visit.

Did you know that as part of Scotland's access legislation (The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003) you can camp on most unenclosed land?

This is just one of the aspects which gives Scotland some of the most progressive access legislation in Europe and wild camping is also a great way of getting out into the less-discovered parts of Scotland's stunning countryside.

However with this right comes some responsibilities. Campers should leave these wild places unblemished by their visit and protect them for future visitors and campers. Over the last few years there has been an increasing number of high profile cases of antisocial and careless behaviour at wild camping sites. Concerns have been raised after some locations were affected by vandalism, out of control fires, rubbish, abandoned equipment and pollution from unburied human waste.

SNH is keen to reinforce the principles of responsible behaviour for visitors wild camping in the countryside. Scotland's Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) provides guidelines for people accessing the countryside and choosing appropriate camp sites.
Wild camping is encouraged throughout Scotland provided campers apply the good practice 'leave-no-trace' guidelines as detailed on the Outdoor Access Scotland website. These are:
- Avoid overcrowding by moving on to another location;
- Carry a trowel to bury toilet waste and urinate well away from water courses;
- Use a stove or leave no trace of any camp fire. Never cut down or damage trees;
- Take away your rubbish and consider picking up other litter as well.
- If in doubt, ask the landowner. Their advice might help you find a better camping spot.

A great list of sensible no nonsense requirements :))

The Welcome Beginning of a Lord and Lady

What a hoot! To actually own 'bare' woodland - albiet a small plot in the Highlands of Scotland and in turn help preserve a beautiful piece of heritage for all eternity, has given us much to talk about within the family.

Our forebears must have forgotten that "passing in on" is good for the soul, pffft I say - so my Lord and I are still in gainful employment, slaving away and ekeing a living from the fortunes of others. So what you say? Did I find an elusive inheritance waiting for me to discover it? Alas me laddies and lassies I did not. Hence I had to resort to a little web searching in regards to my family heritage.

Glencoe Wood

Plot Information

Luckily for me, whilst pondering my missed-fortune, Highland Titles was featured on one of our local televisions stations, which  gave me further information to take it upon myself and enrich our lives becoming Diane and Stephen -  Lady & Lord of Glencoe, Scotland. I also bought some plots for my two sons, daughter and grandson :))

After lodging my application for a little plot of land - heehee - a large envelope arrived. Secreting it away for my personal perusal at a later time - or when the family wasn't watching to ask what ya got there Mum - I was filled with abnormal glee. Can't see anyone beating my gift again this year. Probably never happen anyway as family both sides and children have a latent problem remembering important dates. Woohoo - I'm a Lady - no rude remarks warranted here :))

Glencoe Wood offered me an opportunity to purchase a pieve of Scotland and in turn help in the care and heritage It also gave us the right to call ourselves Lord and Lady Hallam of Glencoe. Knowing that when I purchased this land for my family I was making a heartfelt contribution for the environment. The woodland is owned by hundreds of different people which in turn ensures that at no time can any developer acquire it nor cause detriment of the area. I purchased one tree to begin with, to help reforest the land and help in a process I haven't heard of before but will copy down -  carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere by the process of carbon sequestration. 

More importantly, I read about the woodland being home to many species of Scottish flora and fauna, and that it can be enjoyed by people as an area of peace, quiet, and tranquillity. What a wonderful way of demonstrating my committment to this amazing turn of events.
Check out http://www.lairdoflochaber.com/

T'was our wedding anniversary number 34 looming, (or our age creeping up to bite us on the proverbial) that I first gave my Lord Steve, the gift of 100 sq ft of Scotland :) Always an enterprising woman, with gifts that would be hard to beat (family wise and more of then at a later date), I gave my Lord a wrapped gift full of Glencoe Highland gifts and a title to boot - welcome Lord Stephen :) He looked at me with awe ( or in Australia that would be called - what the?) and laughed his head off! Too rude I quoted, to which he stated to me what do I do with this? Watch the littlest DVD on record on my 'puta I said. He loved the idea once he got used to it and I let him know that I also purchased a tree to be planted in our name for all eternity (or for however long someone b****r doesn't cut it down) in the naked land of Glencoe.

My Lord stated, what about you love, to which I replied - of course I am your Lady, as always.

Click on this link for more information :)  http://www.lochaberhighlandestates.com/

Well, now off my "throne" I must adieu to all, as my stomach requires sustenance and I must away to lubricate the cogs as I do like my cuppa tea - so I must be off this wonderous contraption called my 'puta' and get on with the rest of the days work.

For your interest check out - http://www.highlandtitles.com/, http://www.lairdoflochaber.com/  or http://www.lochaberhighlandestates.com/, I am sure you will have lots to peruse and chat about.

Once you become a Lord, Lady or Laird - join us on Facebook - its a closed group and only open to Lairds, Lords and Ladies of Glencoe, Lochaber. Just click on the join icon and you will be notified of your welcome.

I got onto  http://www.highlandtitles.com/, and had a wonderful read on why Highland Titles first set itself up on the internet.