I am also sorry, Graham, for the events and stress that you have been going through these past few days. I have been trying to enjoy my kids at their present ages of 5 and 7 yrs without thinking about those impending teen years and all that they involve.

It is interesting that you should mention your exchange of clothing. To me, wearing my kilts is a fun activity. I wear a kilt all of the time, so everything must be fun, yes? Not really, but I enjoy how I feel and how I look. It is a festive thing in many ways and adds a little fun to things that are ordinarily mundane.

The episode with your daughter had to be terrifying, as far from festive as anything could be. It was a serious situation that caused you to change clothing. Didn't you once mention that, with the exception of your oldest son who does not presently live at home, your children are not so thrilled with the kilt? I think that you changed out of respect for the situation. Perhaps there was even a little bit of comfort to be taken in those old familiar trousers.

The other day my wife did something that really annoyed me. I forget what it was now, but it was something that bugged me personally and I recall feeling particularly perturbed. We don't have many disagreements. I immediately changed into a pair of shorts. It was the oddest thing, but suddenly my kilt didn't fit my mood. I think that lasted for about 15 minutes before I was again kilted.

Good luck, mate.

Mychael