Today we began the preparations to leave Glasgow, our home for the last two months. First we had a breakfast of cereal, toast, and juice. Then we loaded the clothes into the suitcase to take them to the laundrette for the final time. The lady who has been helping us (telling us what to do) all summer wished us well and that she hoped to see us on our next visit. When we got back to the flat we did a bit of organizing of the clothes and started packing our suitcases. We actually had most things packed in a relatively short amount of time.
Because it was a truly beautiful day in Glasgow with sun and blue skies, we decided a picnic was in order. Joey's bag was readied, and we headed down the hill to the post office to check the cost of shipping a package to the States. After it was weighed and told the cost, we had the great debate about shipping or not. We kept the package and walked on to Waitross to buy sandwiches and water for lunch. We walked on to the Botanical Garden.
Since the day was so beautiful, it seemed like half of Glasgow was in the garden. We found a place on a slope where the ground was semi dry and had our picnic. Pete took some semi-candid pictures with the time delay on his camera. Joey sucked down some lamb stew puree from a prepackaged thing that children can suck on like a bottle to get the food. I personally think she found the watermelon much more enjoyable. When we were done, we packed up and strolled though the garden to the steps down to the river walk. Along the way we paused to take pictures of some highland cows being displayed in the gardens. Next it was down the steps to the River Kelvin. We walked a mile and a bit along the river way below the sights and noise of the modern city. We passed under three major streets and emerged in Kelvin Park. Then as always it was up the hill toward the flat.
This trip up the hill Peter took us up the hill through the grounds of the University of Glasgow to a scenic overlook. From the front of the main building we could see across the Clyde Valley to the rural hills south of Glasgow. It was quite beautiful with a superior clear sunny day which is unusual for Glasgow. We went through the main building of Glasgow University built in the 1800's. We went past what Pete called the most intimidating Human Resources office that he ever encountered. The building has beautiful arches inside that remind one of a cathedral. We went out and across University Street and up the hill to the flat. Pete, Jess and Joey headed back to the flat for Joey's nap. Neil and I went down the hill again to the Post Office. After carrying the package around Glasgow, we decided that mailing that weight home was a really good idea.
Back up the hill for a relaxation time because the sun and exercise were enough to fluff one up. Then we headed out for our final dinner together. Neil had suggested Brell -- a pub which served good fish and chips. Brell was pretty crowded but most of the locals were outside in the sun, so we had a great table inside. We had a round of beers and then ordered food---2 orders of steak and ale pies and 2 orders of fish and chips without the mushy peas. Nancy and I shared and so had the best of both entrees. Pete and Jess shared their entrees with each other. Joey had some wonderful (LOL) puree, which she seemed to enjoy.
After dinner, back at the flat, Joey went to bed with no complaints. We had died Cokes. Pete and Jess had decaf espresso. We went to bed ready for a big but sad day tomorrow.
STEPS:
Glasgow Botanics Center
Highland coo in Botanics
Main hall at University of Glasgow
University of Glasgow
University of Glasgow
View from Main Hall U of Glasgow 
the walk along River Kelvin
Main hall at U of Glasgow
Bridge --Byers Road from River Kelvin walkway
Our picnic
River Kelvin
River walk through Glasgow Botanics
Spire
Mural on a wall
Baby Highland coo at Botanics
Bridge over River Kelvin
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