Remembering Ben

     During our 2014 trip to Scotland, I met and fell in love with Ben. He is named after Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. Before I raise anyone's hackles, especially friends of Derrick's, let me be quick to clarify that Ben is a lovable West Highland terrier, or fondly known as a Westie. Ben and I became great pals during our stay at Stanton Villa B&B, near Fort William. He loves a good cuddle, and I could sit there for ages, giving him lots of cuddles and kisses. It was painfully difficult to tear myself away from him when it was time for us to leave the b&b.

Ben and I, with scenic Loch Eil in the background

Ben welcomes us to Stanton Villa B&B

Darling Ben

Cuddling up to each other

     I was very soon reminded of Ben when we visited Glen Nevis, where climbers start making their way up Ben Nevis. I stumbled upon a packet of Walkers shortbread in the form of mini Scottie dogs. Both Westies (West Highland terrier) and Scotties (Scottish terrier) are short-legged Scotland terriers. They share the same ancestry but are classified as separate breeds. To me, they are both equally lovable.

Yum yum!

     Truth be told, the mini Scottie dog shortbread was far too adorable to be eaten. I was behind the wheels, and could not protest when Derrick kept popping them into my mouth. And mmm...they were absolutely scrumptious!
     Although we can find Walkers shortbread in the form of rounds, fingers and triangles in Malaysian supermarkets, no Scottie dogs are to be sighted. When my sister-in-law, who lives in the United Kingdom, learned of my predilection for them, she bought a box of them for me during her recent trip home. Thanks a million, Emma. It was sheer joy to be reunited with my delightful Scottie dogs.

The Walkers Shortbread Scottie Dogs that Emma got for me

9 scottie dogs happy to be out of the box

Wonderful tea time with Earl Grey and Scottie dogs

     Best eaten with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea, these finger-licking good shortbread doggies are so crisp and buttery. You can admire the perfect shape of the Scottie dogs, inhale the rich scent of butter and slowly indulge in its melt-in-the-mouth texture. And I'm reminded of Ben again.