So I have not posted much recently, been too busy with things at home, but I have had some wonderful interactions at the local grocery store recently and wanted to share them.

First, about 3 weeks ago I was in the local grocery store and had just started down the second aisle when a nice lass with a fine Irish accent (I think!) asked what tartan I was wearing. I replied that it was the Irish National (from a casual from USAK). She asked if is was from the Scottishlion, which she was familiar with. I said No, it is from USAK, and explained it was from PV and really easy to clean. I held up an edge of the apron and she felt the material. I then extolled USAK's ability to be thrown in the washer and she was impressed. I gave her USAK's web site and also XMarks. Perhaps she will join us. A few minutes later, I had a gentleman walk up and ask me where he could get a kilt! The first time I have ever been asked since I went full time over 18 months ago! Yeah for me! Anyway, I first asked him how much he wanted to spend. As we all know, that is the first decision for the neophyte. I went on to explain the range of prices and he got somewhat unsettled. I mentioned that a "tank" could be $450 or more, and that a good casual kilt (USAK or SWK), was in the $100-150 range. I did mention that you can get some deals off eBay and suggested he come here for some advice.

Next, I was in the same grocery store 2 weeks ago and was walking down the aisle when a lady with an English accent stopped and asked if I was from Scotland. I replied that my ancestry was from Angus, Dundee. She replied that she had just gotten back from the Isles the week before. I related our trip last October and lamented our inability to get to Scotland from London (too long a train ride for the girls). She promptly replied we should have flown to Scotland and mentioned that they only paid 1 pound for a flight from Dublin to London! Now that's a great fare. I will have to check on the inter-country flight fares for out next trip.

Finally, I was in a different neighborhood grocery store 2 days ago and while checking out, the person in line ahead of me asked if I was from Scotland and I admitted my ancestry was. He replied that his wife was from Scotland, from the Glasgow area. After he finished, the cashier asked about the tartan I was wearin (navy Stewart USAK casual) and mentioned that he was a piper! He was an older gentleman, in his 60's I would guess, and said that he had piped for a Rod Stewart concert! Rod had always wanted a piper to start the concert and pipe at the intermission and he, and his co-pipers, were selected! Very cool. He also knows Sandy Keith in the Dunedin area.

Just thought I would share with you all some nice interactions.