my St Paddy's Day kit

[OC Richard]

Not much of a thread here! Just a pic showing what I wore yesterday piping my St Patrick's Day gigs, and also for piping at my Father-in-law's funeral on Friday.



I picked up that heavy tweed jacket on Ebay. It's wonderful especially in chilly weather such as we've been having. The tweed has all sorts of lovely flecks of various hues.

[chrisupyonder]

Very smart. Well done. I like the hose.

Chris.

[David Thorpe]

Very classy, indeed. Well done, sir.

[CMcG]

That's some sharp piper kit you got there, though I wish we could see a bit more knee I trust you and your piping were both well received!

It seems fairly uncommon for people to button their kilt jackets; most people leave them open. Can you comment on your choice?

[Riverkilt]

What a splendid turn out!

The cuffs of that jacket are beautiful.

[piperchris]

You look great, Richard!!! I hope to see you soon!

[denmcdough]

Richard, very well done.

Sorry to hear of your FIL's passing.

[creagdhubh]

Nicely done, Richard! I especially like your white cockade!

[OC Richard]

Thanks so much everyone!!

About buttoning the jacket, I usually do.

If you don't, when you strike in the pipes half the jacket often gets pulled up into your armpit, which looks sloppy.

About my father-in-law, we're all having a tough time with his passing.

My admiration for him verged on hero-worship. What an interesting, amazing guy. An Infantry Officer in WWII, fought in New Guinea and the Liberation of the Phillipines. Schooled in Switzerland, spoke German and French well. Worked in Army Intel as a linguist during the Korean war when he learned to speak Russian and Norwegian. Was recruited by the CIA but they passed on him when they learned that he was engaged to be married.

Played semipro and Minor League pro baseball in the 1940's. Had an at-bat against Sachel Paige.

Once out of the Army he spent a long career as an aerospace engineer.

And through it all lived the very model of "the Christian life": mild, genteel, modest, thoughtful, spiritual. It was difficult sometimes to learn anything about his life, but over the years I pried this and that fact out of him. I never did find out how he won his Bronze Star... he wouldn't say anything more than "I was just doing my job" or "I just did something stupid".

[mookien]

Exquisitely sharp! Many strive for that look, but few achieve it. Very good show.

I believe that there is a special place in Heaven for people like your Father in law. And, I believe you will be with him again, so you can ask, and he can answer, all your questions.

By the way, how did he do vs. Satchel Paige? Don't tell me he drew a walk.