Good Evening, All,

Well, the Oregon vacation that I'd mentioned in a couple of other threads has been upon us for the last 4 or 5 days (this is being written in a motel room in Newport that DIRECTLY overlooks the Pacific ocean, with Barber's "Adagio for Strings" on the iPod), and I thought I'd send out an update for those that are interested.

When I packed, I purposefully didn't pack any Bifurcated Garments (save for a pair of sweats to use as PJ's when required). Going through security at O'Hare was a little interesting (it seems that the buckles on the SWK kilts are ferric, and set off the metal detector). So, as I'm putting my sporran and belt back on, I notice a grandmother pointing at me and explaining the concept of a kilt to her granddaughter. Once we arrived at our gate, I was stopped and complemented by a local cop who was traveling as well. From his perspective, he was talking mainly about the pipers who played at police functions, but was complimentary of my kilt in an of itself.

So, we get on the airplane, get to Portland, drive to Newport, and spend the next couple of days contributing to the local economy. The first morning we're out, another gentleman pulls up in his pickup next to me, leans out past his girlfriend, and give me a thumbs-up.

Finally, last night, we went to a local Irish shop, and I was complimented for being the most "natural Kilt wearer" that the owner of the shop had yet seen. This compliment actually made me feel the best yet, as, when I started the trip, I was still a little self-conscious about being kilted in public. I wanted to take the opportunity of the trip to just get it our of my system once and for all. And, from what she said, it looks like I succeeded.

So, no kilt checks (that I've noticed), and (oddly enough) the majority of the compliments have been from guys this time around.

Further bulletins as events warrant.