2011 Kentucky Scottish Weekend

**creagdhubh** · 17th May 11, 01:25 PM

Greetings,

My lovely wife, Stephanie and I attended the 29th Annual Kentucky Scottish Weekend in Carrollton, KY this past weekend. I would like to say at the outset, the weather, despite a rather soggy forcast, cooperated brilliantly with us, as I believe it only drizzled for about 10 minutes or so!

This was our first time attending this event, especially since just moving to the Cincinniati, OH area only 6 short months ago. I must say we had a fantastic time. Sure, there are always some aspects of any gathering or games in which you will have critical feelings of, but for the most part, the Kentucky Scottish Weekend was indeed a splendid, and well organised event.

Naturally, the highlight of our trip was meeting up with Sandy MacLean (JFSMACLR) mid-morning on Saturday. Sandy and I had coordinated what time to meet - and we both had actually arrived at the General Butler State Resort Park in Carrollton at the same time! It was such an enormous pleasure to finnally meet Sandy! We had a wonderful time strolling the grounds of the festivities, chatting about all things Scottish (as well as other very intriguing topics). My wife, Stephanie is well versed in many aspects of Highland culture and attire, naturally by being married to me, but also because of the simple fact that she is a Robertson, and has had a deep-rooted interest in the land of her ancestors for quite some time, yet that interest has grown considerably since we have been together. She had an equally great time chatting with Sandy and often mentioned that in so many ways, I was just a younger version of him!

I also had the pleasure of meeting Kenneth Mansfield (slackerdrummer), his kilted (in a smart Anderson sett) wee bairn, and lovely wife, as well as piper, John (EagleJCS) for the first time, and although our conversations with them were considerably shorter than with Sandy, it was still very nice to have had the opportunity to chat with them for a wee bit. Thank you both for being so hospitiable in conversation, and a heartfelt "thank you" to Sandy MacLean for bringing such a joyful presence to our morning and early afternoon at the Kentucky Scottish Weekend - we are truly blessed and quite fortunate to have you as a friend. On the drive home to Ohio Sunday morning, Stephanie and I kept discussing the fact that we are both looking forward to seeing Sandy again, and hopefully the next time, we will have the pleasure of meeting the rest of his Highland family!

I have posted several photos of our time at the Kentucky Scottish Weekend -apologies are in order, as there are not many photos of the actual events scheduled throughout the day, I'm afraid Sandy, myself, and Stephanie, spent much of our time engaged in an ongoing chat, whilst enjoying a wee pint of bitter and munching on a scrumtious array of smoked cheddar, grapes, crackers, cashews, and salami, back at the car! (Thank you Stephanie!)

We hope to meet many more forum members at other various Highland games and Scottish festivities soon to come!

Great shot (credit to my wife) of Sandy and I walking.

A MacLean and a Macpherson in a friendly chat. I will admit, my hose match the lovat blue in my jacket and waistcoat a wee bit too much, as I do 'mismatch' my attire often. Alas, I should have worn my mustard Rannoch hose - next time!

Sandy - I finally took of my tweed jacket and waistcoat when the sun came out! Me next to my favourite MG of the day.

Aww, now the real conversation begins over a wee pint of Belhaven Scottish Ale!

Stephanie simply adored Sandy and his light-hearted, West-Highland personality! Note - Steph wears a sprig of Bracken (fern) behind her Clann Donnachie badge, as she is a Robertson.

Admiring the solo-piping competition(s).

Non-stop chatting as we stroll - I had so many questions, comments, and topics I wanted to discuss with Sandy, yet completely "blanked out" on many!

Sandy knew everybody! A wee bit reminiscent of me back in my hometown of Saint Louis, MO!

Two Highland Gentlemen far from our 'true' home, yet united in our shared desire to always return. "From the lone shieling of the misty island Mountains divide us, and the waste of seas; Yet still the blood is strong, the heart is Highland..."

Yours aye,

**azwildcat96** · 17th May 11, 01:51 PM

Frankly, I like the blue hose with the lovat blue jacket.

**Jock Scot** · 17th May 11, 01:54 PM

Great pictures, thank you.

**creagdhubh** · 17th May 11, 01:59 PM

Originally Posted by azwildcat96

Frankly, I like the blue hose with the lovat blue jacket.

Thanks mate. Of course, when you look at the hose and the tweed of the jacket and waistcoat up close, they are definitely not an exact match. And I didn't wake up saying, "Oh, I think I'll wear the lovat blue hose with the lovat blue jacket today", not at all, I just love the look of the lovat shades with the ancient hue of the Macpherson red ancient. That's all. I have indeed worn mustard, lovat green, navy, fawn/oatmeal, ancient red, and brown hose with this kilt before. Coquet hose from Almost Unwearoutable are, and have been, on the agenda.