My father is a member of his retirement community’s Choir. This weekend I attended their Spring Chorale concert kilted ( try to say that fast three times in a row) . My Mom is not the biggest fan of my kilt wearing (which in a perverse way makes it far more fun to wear kilts around her ). When I told her that I and my family were looking forward to seeing my Dad perform, the first thing out her mouth was “you won’t wear a kilt will you?“ She felt that all the older folks wouldn’t understand what I was wearing and be some sort of embarrassment to her . I assured that that I was ABSOLUTELY going to wear one (actually I hadn’t really thought about it until she mentioned it in so negative a light ).

So I, my beautiful wife, and two children went to the Chorale Concert. They sang some old gospel, a mini version of “The Music Man” (to honor a past Chorale member who had recently passed away), and a salute to the US armed forces with the theme songs to the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marines. It was a fun little concert with maybe about 100+ people in attendance. Lots of older folks and a few of their families. It was very enjoyable (though in my opinion the Coast Guard needs a better theme song).

Anyway, I had 12 people approach me and to tell me how much they liked my kilt and ask me questions about my outfit. One couple in their late 70’s came up to me to tell me of the four years they lived in Aberdeen and how beautiful Scotland was. Another elderly gentleman walked up to me and told me how both his parents were Scots and he grew up with kilts.. Other’s wanted to talk about their clans or tartans. One charming lady was most curious about my flashes. I was sincerely asked two or three times if I was there to play the bagpipes (one lady was most disappointed I wasn’t). All in all a lovely time with lots of really positive interactions. The only disappointment was that my 6 year son’s kilt had not arrived in time to wear to the concert as well.

Oh, and as for my Mom? One of her good friends apparently pointed me out to her (not realizing I was her son) telling her how handsome the fellow in the kilt looked. When my Mom introduced me and my family to her other friends they were all very complimentary about my attire. She conceded that perhaps my wearing a kilt wasn’t so bad after all.

After the concert there was an old fashioned ice cream social (which my cute 3 year daughter was very very VERY happy with) followed by grilled sausages and good beer at my parent’s house.

All in all a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon