Water Under The Bridge

Hmmm. What is home? That was asked previously in a friend’s blog; and now that I am heading home from my mini vacation that question has arisen in my mind again.

The United States has been my physical residence and home for longer than either of the other two countries where I have lived before but one of these is the sentimental home in my heart. Scotland is the land of my birth and will forever have that sentimental hold over me; but that does not diminish my regard for my home here in the States.

Since most of my adult and working years have taken place here, my tangible associations are the bond which makes this home and the basis for my citizenship.

Perhaps I am fortunate that I have two homes and able enjoy the aspects of both. Let me not forget, however, my other home from home; Canada which also has a place in my heart.

Maybe home is a movable feast to be enjoyed in all its glory when and where the mood strikes.

In writing this, I am reminded of a song (to the tune of “Galway Bay”) told to me by my father:-

Some day I’ll cross the border back to Scotland;
Tho’ it may be when I am three scores years and ten;
Once again to see the moon rise over Stirling;
Or to see the sun go down on Alva Glen.

Once again to see the splendour of the Ochils;
The winding road that leads right up to Perth;
Or to sit beside a trout stream near Dumyat
And know you’re on the finest land on Earth.

Oh, the Enlish came and tried to take it from us,
At Bannockburn we fought their legions down;
But we might as well have let them win the battle,
For Scotland now is ruled from London town.

The winds that blow across the fields of Scotland
Are scented by the heather as they blow
And the highlanders up North all speak a language;
Yes, a language that the English do not know.

They say there’s going to be a life hereafter
And if that’s so I’ll give the Lord my thanks.
If he’ll grant my wish and let me make my heaven
There in Scotland on Loch Lomonds bonnie banks

The title is a shortened version of a wonderful quote by Sir Winston Churchill to recognize the efforts of the RAF during the “Battle Britain”. I was reminded of this yesterday when I read my daily e-mail from The Scotsman newspaper which provides me with a brief summary of a few headline stories plus “Fact of the Day”.

Fact of the Day reads:- This date in 1940 is generally seen as the end of the “Battle of Britain” as the RAF defeated the Luftwaffe and achieved dominance of the skies. The contribution of foreign fliers was significant; of the 2,353 men credited with fighting the battle, 574 were not British. The largest foreign contingent was from Poland, without whom the outcome of the battle may well have been very different

Reading yesterday’s “Fact of the Day” flooded me with memories of that time. Yes, I am old enough to remember World War II but was not old enough to be in the armed forces.

It was at 11:00 AM on Sunday, September 3rd, 1939 that the minister announced from the pulpit that Britain was now at war. I was not fully aware of the impact of that announcement.

From then until the end of October 1940, my memories are of wonderfully sunny summer days; looking up and watching the dog fights in the sky. In the evening, came the air raid sirens, the drone of the enemy bombers as they headed to the shipyards at Clydebank and the rumble of the ground as the bombs exploded.

To this day, the sound of air raid sirens stir me; but not in a pleasant way.

Inspired by Topncal to particpate in a daily posting challenge and eager to continue what I started many, many months ago, I sit here with my mind almost blank but determined to produce a posting with some merit.

Since I am away on a mini vacation, I have to connect to the internet by dial-up which, as many know, is slower than molasses.  With guidance from Topncal, I am hoping to connect to the internet by cell phone before heading out on another mini vacation.

Yes, these mini vacations are quite frequent.

Keep your head above the water.  As for me, I am going with the flow.