I can't stand it: staying home just isn't an option. Altho I'm headed to Guatemala in April, it's as an interpreter for a medical mission. That means it doesn't really count, so I'm fomenting a quick trip to England & Scotland in May with my friend the cancer survivor. This wouldn't be anything like the kind of active & adventuresome trips my sisters & I take to Scotland, but it sure beats staying home.

Preliminary plans: fly into Manchester & head to Ashby de la Zouche for a concert by Dougie MacLean, my favorite Scottish singer/songwriter. Possible soccer game (Man Utd vs Aston Villa) altho at present rate of exchange it looks as if finding a pub where we could just watch it instead is pretty appealing. Man Utd tix are going for $250 USD & up. It looks as if Scottish Premier League games will be over by May 1, so I guess I won't get to see John Hartson in action this trip either.

Scoot up to Keswick for 2 days, then head NE to Dunkeld to stay at Dougie's Taybank Inn & sit in on a few music nights & do a little Pict stone hunting around Forfar. Up to the Black Isle & Cromarty to revisit some fave holy springs. Donna's keen on Skye & with the bridge it is more doable on such a short trip but I might be able to convince her Mull/Iona would be a good substitute. The hostel at Carbisdale is on the list too, as it's in a castle.

My choice for final night is always the hostel on Loch Lomond; it's an easy drive down to the Glasgow airport for return flight.

So, is it foolish to try to find EPL game tix at any decent price? And will SPL really have finished the season?

Gail In Eugene but never for long