This has been a week of surprises. I have received two gifts from members of this forum.

I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Herminator and Urbantig.

On Tuesday I was presented with a small box containing a totally unexpected gift. Our own herminator wished to thank me for his X Marks Tartan fabric and sent me the most wonderful Kilt Pin.

This pin now has a permanent home on my X Marks Tartan Kilt.



This morning another box arrived in the post. This time it was from our own ubantig. It seems his father died 35 years ago last week and to keep his memory alive I was sent his pipe collection.



Both of these gifts were totally unexpected. But believe me they will both remind me of the generosity and spirit of this Clan.

So, to herminator I say, your Kilt Pin is a truly beautiful work of art. I am proud to be the owner of what you said is one of only ten pins made. If there were not a full continent, an ocean, and another half continent between us I would invite you to the nearest Gasthaus to thank you in person.

To urbantig, these pipes will be loved, and used. I hope the memory of your father never dies.

This forum, this Clan, has got to be the best place in the world and the best people I have ever known.