St Patrick's Day provided the opportunity I needed for my first public appearance. We had a party at the house (it was also my 40th birthday) and I wore my kilt for the first time in front of 45 of my friends. Most were quite surprised when I answered the door in it. I got a number of smiles, some questions about kilts and Ireland, and a few "ah, now we see who wears the pants in the family". Of course, these were good friends who would have had some other similar comment, regardless of how I was dressed, and since they know my wife, it was probably an accurate statement (disclaimer here--she is a wonderfully patient and loving person who puts up with all my eccentricities).

Now I'm ready to venture out in the company of strangers...

Mike