"Rugby is great. The players don't wear helmets or padding; they just beat the living daylights out of each other and then go for a beer. I love that." ~ Joe Theismann

Have you ever been to a rugby game?

The Scotland vs. New Zealand game was my first...

 and Scotland was the perfect place to attend a match,surrounded by people who are passionate about the game.

When the piper began playing what is considered a national anthem...

the voices joined together in unison...

singing O Flower of Scotland.

Before the game, everyone was discussing the tribal dance performed by the New Zealand team before each match...
 and they did not disappoint.

The crowd loved it when Scotland's line of players advanced towards the All Blacks during their little diddy...
but unfortunately my lack of video skills did not provide the reaction time necessary to share that with you.

As Olympic Athletes entered the stadium the roar continued to build as cyclist, Sir Chris Hoy, winner of six gold medals delivered the match ball to the field.

Scotland being the underdogs...

I quickly snapped this photo during their fleeting moments on top.

Ren Man played at University but its been awhile...

 so he deferred some of my questions to others in our group, and I have to say...
my rugby knowledge is now enough to cheer at the right times, with only a few lingering questions.

Being raised on American football, where the games can go on forever, it is amazing to me that rugby has no time outs.  
Two forty minutes periods. Period.
The medical trainers or whatever they call those guys take care of mishaps on the field while the game continues.

Unfortunately for Scotland, the All Blacks got their act together and moved down the field with a precision that was impressive to watch.

Of course, being one of a small percentage of women in attendance, 
I couldn't help but feel like I was invading someones  man cave,
 and have no problem leaving the whole experience for the guys to enjoy.

Happy Tuesday.

My Aberdeen Monday...

Okay, okay...

I know this is supposed to be a spotlight on where I live...

Aberdeen, but one of the really, really special treats about living here is its proximity to Edinburgh. 

Yes...

go ahead...

click on Edinburgh and see how many times I have enjoyed this city.

Only a two and a half hour train ride south and you are there...

 so when Ren Man was invited to the rugby game, we made a weekend out of it.

What we know as Veteran's Day back home is celebrated as Remembrance Sunday here.

Visual reminders appear weeks before...

 leading up to November 11th.

Poppies are ubiquitous...

 on lapels and scarfs...

reminding us of lives lost in battle and also the symbol for the British Legions fundraiser for wounded vets and their families.

In Edinburgh...

near the Sir Walter Scott Memorial...

'The Garden of Remembrance' allows people to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country by planting a poppy cross bearing the name of loved ones gone but not forgotten.

Since the Scotland vs. New Zealand game fell on Remembrance Day,

the festive atmosphere had its serious and somber moments. 

Before the match...

an armistice service was held,

while later...

in the crowd of 67,000 the stadium fell silent... 

"The guns will be silent on Remembrance Day
We'll all say a prayer on Remembrance Day

On Remembrance Day - say a little prayer
On Remembrance Day"

... Bryan Adams

a single shot was fired ...

followed by an army bugler and then a lone piper...

piercing the silence above the hushed crowd.

In the U.S.A., today is the observance of

Veterans Day...

 when all armed service veterans who serve their country are honored.

Thanks to my Dad and scores of others who have and still are bravely representing the best of the United States of America.

Happy Monday!