Sunday 5 March 2017

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.

8 comments:

  1. Oh Irene, if I knew it earlier, I would have tumpang somebody to buy back for you too!! Ok, see lain kali, can or not... I didn't notice these while I was there last time.. bought back Scottish cookies but never saw the dog shape ones.. :)

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    1. Thanks in advance, Claire :)
      According to my sis-in-law, they hide in Scottish specialty shops, and do not run around with the masses in normal supermarkets.....hahahah!

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  2. I love dog shaped cookie cutters and your post makes me wanna make some cookies using the dog shaped cutter, may not taste the same but I guess I will have fun making them. Ben is such a lucky dog to have you writing a post on him :)

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    1. How interesting! Do make some doggie shaped cookies, and share the recipe. Btw, where did you get your dog shaped cookie cutters from?

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  3. Between the real Ben and the dog shaped cookies, I would choose the real Ben. He is such a cutie and so cuddly. I too would miss him when its time to leave.

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    1. Ben is indeed most lovable. He warms up to visitors immediately, and if you reciprocate, he sticks to you all the time. Delightful little darling!

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  4. Awwww! What a great post! He is really very sweet! :))....thanks for your well written text! Makes me smile! ;)...Have a nice day and best wishes from familienhotel schenna ( http://www.hotelwalder.com )....Maria ;)

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    1. Thanks, Maria, and I'm glad u enjoyed the post. Everyone loves Ben!

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