Ham's off (again!)

**Hamish** · 24th March 09, 12:37 PM

Yes, dear friends, once again I expect to be conspicuous by my absence (ooops, I nearly typed 'abstinence'

) for just over two weeks this time. On Thursday morning I am flying off to sunny and HOT (mmmmnn!) California - Palm Springs to be precise to stay with my ol' pal Jim, who has a place there.

Exciting days lie ahead: First, two new kilts await me and a third will be delivered before I fly home. Rocky and/or Kelly at 'USA Kilts' have rushed me two of their Semi-Trads (ideal for the Palm Springs climate just now) in MacBeth Ancient and Tara tartans. Details of the one to be delivered I shall keep to myself for the time being!

Next, three days after I arrive, I am being whisked off for three nights at the Sahara Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip! That is one town I thought I would never get to see, but now I will. We are not into gambling in any way (well, I do play the National Lottery here in the United Kingdom but that doesn't really count

), but we hope to take in a show or two - and just think of the photo opportunities outside all those amazing hotels!! A visit to the Hoover Dam is also on the agenda.

The following weekend, Palm Springs is going to be hit by the biggest kilts night it has known - with worthies such as Panache and the F-HCAG, The Wizard of BC (Steve), oh and many others, driving or flying in for the event. Just watch out for the photos a few days later!

When, last year, Jim invited me, I thought I would be in for a two-week perod of utter relaxation, lounging by the pool, occasionally applying more Factor whatever, and sipping Campari Sodas as the blazing sun slides behind the tall palm trees - well I hope to do some of that, but the thought of visiting exciting places I could not dream of seeing AND the shaking of hands with numerous brethren and sisters I feel I already know so well but have not actually met, tells me that I am in for an amazing holiday.

So, Bicknell Grange will be darkened for a couple of weeks. Old S-----m, my faithful but wrinkled retainer, will remain here to keep an eye on the security and temperature/climate control system for the Kilt Kollection vaults - so no-one need think they can attempt a break-in during my absence.

See you all in two weeks plus!

Take care,
Ham.

**pdcorlis** · 24th March 09, 12:42 PM

Oh Ham - if only my meager bank account would allow me to trek to sunnier climes and partake in Hamfest 2009 it would be oh so grand! Sadly, I will be there in spirit only!

Safe Journeys!

**Panache** · 24th March 09, 12:49 PM

Ham,

You have our cell phone numbers.

Call us a call late afternoon on Friday the 3rd and let us know what you and Jim are game for.

A lot of us are really looking forward to meeting a good friend that we have never met in person!

Safe trip to you both

Cheers

Jamie

**McMurdo** · 24th March 09, 01:00 PM

Safe trip Ham, wish I could be among those friends that you meet. Ah well another time.

**walkerk** · 24th March 09, 01:09 PM

Enjoy the shows in Las Vegas. Nothing personifies Vegas like Liberace - visit his museum if you have the opportunity. Have a safe trip!

**celtic cowboy** · 24th March 09, 01:48 PM

Ok the west coast get's Ham this time but FL wants him next. LOL. Wish those of us here could make the trek as well, best wishes and happy and safe travels Ham.