Heat wave!

So what's wrong with this picture? Shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops- that's what. The thermostat hit 66 degrees today in Dunfermline, warmer than the current temperatures back home in California. Most people have been warning us about the weather since we started planning for this trip last March. In fact, while we were in Belgium during the October break, I went on a World War I battlefield tour for a day. During introductions with the other group members I explained I was an exchange teacher living in Scotland for the year. One of the ladies carefully turned to me and in a very soft, serious voice, slowly said "ooooh, bitter cold in winter" and then turned back to stare out the window. It was the only time she spoke to me the entire day. It turns out that the 25th of March is the one-year anniversary of our exchange notification. Maybe this is some kind of cosmic congratulations for our hard work? Most likely its just the another example of the wacky world of weather over here. 

The past two winters in Dunfermline, and Scotland for that matter, have been very harsh. There have been countless stories of the country grinding to a halt as the snow kept falling and falling, leading to almost two-weeks of canceled school and hikes to the grocery store with the kids sleds to carry back your bags. We have been as prepared as we could, and really have waited all winter for the harsh weather to return. However, as the end of March nears, it looks like we've been lucky enough to enjoy a very mild and warm winter. I can't say we're too disappointed with the light weather, but I know the kids are bummed there wasn't a bit more snow. Although Saturday was very foggy, the warm weather hit today and looks like its going to stick around through the week.

Milkshakes from a great little stand at the market.

Saturday we went to Edinburgh for a little shopping and a football game. We took the opportunity to hit the Edinburgh Farmers Market beforehand, and had a yummy lunch before heading off to our game. Christa took Ainsley out for a little birthday shopping while Will and I went to the game. She will turn eight on March 31st, and birthdaypalooza is just starting to hit its stride.

I've been trying to get Will to some of the different stadiums during out stay, and today we saw one of the two Edinburgh teams, Hibernian. They have not been doing well this season, in fact they're battling with our local team, Dunfermline Athletic, to stay in the top league. We saw them play Dundee United, who we were quite impressed with. The game ended with a 2-0 win for Dundee, and more colorful language per-capita than we have heard this year. Sorry about that Christa.

HIbernian (green) v. Dundee United (tangerine)