Greetings from Colorado, USA

[SPS tools]

Good afternoon, Ladies & Gents. Please allow me to introduce myself.
I'm Steve. I grew up in central Illinois, but call Colorado home-base these days. I have a place both in Aurora, and in the mountains NNW of Ft. Collins. I say home-base because I can often be found travelling the country, or wintering in the southern states, in my 5th wheel RV, with my cat, Miss Jill. The RV has a wood shop in the back end with room for my Burgman 650 scooter. Since the truck gets 6-7mpg, the scooter (45mpg) provides most of my transportation.
I'm in my late 60's `Nam vet (US Army), a former Green Beret (10th SFG), retired software engineer. Widowed a little over 2 years ago.
I got my first Utilikilt a little over 10 years ago (at the factory), then ordered several more. Started wearing kilts full time about 6 years ago when I shattered my ankle in a scooter accident. (I still wear riding pants. I had ZERO road rash in the accident.) Got my 1st family tartan (Rose), complete w/Argyle semi-dress outfit, about 3 years ago. Got my 2nd family tartan (Ross), complete w/PC formal outfit, last year. All told, I have over a dozen kilts, which are my daily wear.

My Roses came to the US (Connecticut) in the early 1600's from Ipswich, England. I haven't traced them up to Scotland yet. The Rosses came to the US (Maryland) in the late 1600's from Aberdeen. Lt. John Alexander Ross was the 3rd son of John Ross, 5th of Little Tarrell. But most of my heritage is English, coming from Devonshire in both the early & late 19th century. Yes, I have looked at Scotland from Hadrian's Wall near Hexham, but the dreamed of distillery tour from Edinburgh to Glasgow just hasn't happened yet.

Pleasures in life? Travel, of course, woodworking - mostly with hand tools, bicycle touring. I also enjoy a daily cigar, often paired with a dram.

As for XMTS, I've been lurking for about 5 years. Over those years I have gleaned great information & guidance on proper etiquette WRT all things Scots. Thank you. I recently joined because I wanted to post a specific question in the Celtic Languages forum. Now that I'm a member, I look forward to joining the conversations.

[Father Bill]

Welcome to the "Great Rabble!"

[Richrail]

from Reno, NV

[Rick Y]

Welcome from another Army vet, RVN 68-69.

[Profane James]

Greeting from a fellow cigar smoker from Alabama!
Recently circled back to cameroons from Rocky Patel...

[Tomak]

Hello and welcome from Southern California. Glad you finally made the leap and joined.

[cck]

from Texas and another Army vet from the VN era.

[Mike_Oettle]

Hi, Steve, and welcome to X Marks from the bottom end of Africa.
You have some rather nice family tartans. But you also could wear the US Army sett, and there are several state tartans you might like to look at, starting with Illinois.
Enjoy your kilting.
Regards,
Mike

[kiltedtom]

SPS,

Welcome from central Indiana. I am a smidgeon younger than yourself but can relate to everything you mentioned. Hope you are having a great retirement. I am jealous (by the way. LOL)

Tom

[Tarheel]

Well met Steve. I believe you will become the envy and "lifestyle goal" of many a retiree here among us. As you have browsed the site, you have an idea of the varied personalities. Glad to have you join the Rabble. Now that you're logged in, check the profiles of members to find compatible and similar background folks (military, retired, cat owners, widowers, etc.) There never has to be a dull moment within your already busy schedule.