Diary of a Dick Vet

I’m flying back to California tomorrow morning (and I mean morning - my taxi is arriving at 3:30am to take me to the airport) so of course I’m in the midst of some last-minute packing. This American interlude will last for 6 weeks, so my suitcases will not be light, though I will leave a bit of space for some yarn, just in case!

There are a few Scottish comforts that I am taking back with me to the U.S., to make the transition easier. One necessary companion is a package of ‘proper tea’ - I’m ashamed to admit I’ve crossed over to the dark side, and will complain to Americans about how lousy our tea is. Even with my proper cuppa, the lack of tea breaks is what I will miss most. Funny how the simple act of making the tea and coffee for the staff makes me feel like I’m more than just an annoying guest when I see work experience.

Other things in my suitcase (admittedly, all food!): M&S ploughman’s pickle, oatcakes, HP brown sauce, Tunnock’s tea cakes, strawberry laces from Scotmid, and a Kinder Bueno. These items are not for sharing.

There is a lot in California I’m looking forward to (Fat Tire ale! Bike rides!) but I’ll miss Scotland. Living and working in Edinburgh takes a bit of the majesty away, but - especially with a bit of sun - it’s a beautiful country. Recently, I took the train to St Andrews, and was reminded of how splendid the land is.

Today was the opening celebration for the new veterinary school building out at Easter Bush. The tiny Dick Vet Musicians Society, of which I am a member, was asked to perform at the opening ceremony as background music to greet guests during registration and over coffee. I think our ‘Loch Lomond’ sounded particularly good as the May Scottish sun filtered through the high glass windows of the new school, into the atrium, with the old statue of William Dick looking on. I’m very proud to say I was there at the celebration, and I hope the vet school’s orchestra is able to play in that space again some day!

The new vet school

Yesterday, I had an exam. It was, like all of vet school, a challenge. I won’t hear my results for several weeks, so for now, all I can do is relax and enjoy the month of May in Edinburgh.

To celebrate the exam, my friends came to visit my new flat and we had a BBQ in the backyard. Finally, we got to enjoy spring! I grilled burgers, made daisy chains, had a few beers, and felt warm in the sun. Ace.

My friend's corgi likes a good ear scratch

Goodbye library! (For now.)