In England, there is the Order of the Garter, and I believe the Prince of Wales heads this elite group. In Scotland it’s the Order of the Thistle and we saw its place in Edinburgh.
The Scottish thistle, or cotton thistle, has a beautiful flower that is usually purple. Legend has it that when Sir William Wallace (“Braveheart”) lost his father in battle as a boy, the girl he later married gave him a thistle at the grave site. It became the national flower of Scotland.
Relatives in the thistle family include many, like the artichoke, cardoons, sunflowers, safflower, Jerusalem artichoke, chamomile, calendula (marigold) and dahlias.
I think of Scotland often, especially when friend Karen sends photos of places we visited together and those that, to date, I’ve missed.
I do look forward to going back, but Jim and I have more travels to do. Thanks for sticking with me. I appreciate all readers and comments.
Perhaps we’ll talk Thanksgiving recipes next? For anyone who wants to buck tradition. Troublemakers all, we’ll be. Dee
