A Very Pleasant Pleasanton Games

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

Some of these pictures are going to be out of sequence.

Madalyn's nephew showed up wearing a Black Watch kilt, given to him by Panache, but it was too large and a bit worn. He decided he needed a kilt just for himself, so chose to be fitted by beautiful young girls. This one seemed very happy to oblige! Too bad Uncle Kent is playing chaperon.:



I think I frightened the young man here (on Sunday, wearing his new Wicked Tinkers shirt):



The children were being a bit obnoxious about smacking me with the rubber chicken (named Grant, by the way), so I bought myself a "swatter". Here, I face off Xena with Grant:



And here we see what men wish the swatter was for:



Bunchdescendent has joined the "purple club" with his new kilt:



Everywhere we go, Xena has to add to her stuffed animal collection. Here's her new, wee mouse, "Squeek":



Next up...fun things to see, followed by Wicked Tinkers...

Be well,

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

Unfortunately, there are many potential pictures that will never be seen, as the camera stayed with Panache while Xena and I went off and watched the sheep dog trials, petted sheep and Clydesdales, and on Sunday, actually got pulled into a street performance. But, I have no photographic evidence of those things.

On Saturday, Panache, walkerk and Sinbad went off to hang out with the reenactors.

The largest and smallest of the regiment, on their way:



Sinbad couldn't resist a little dress-up:



Here's the littlest Marine:



Here's the littlest Gangster, with his rubber chicken :



Panache really wanted to buy this staff-he felt it would help his reputation as a moderator. I disagreed. Who would want to touch that anyway!



More fun things coming...

Be well,

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

Alan made up a nice little limerick in honor of the day. Maybe he'll post it?

Here, he delivers it:



To an appreciative (why the tongue, Jake?) audience:



We only had the pleasure of Big Mikey's company for the first day. After photos, he and his generous wife, the C.W.B.F.H., Shelly, had to leave us. Note how he can carry all his worldly possessions on his back :




On Sunday, we arrived in time to watch some Highland Dance competitions. This is as in focus as our camera can make it-those youngsters know how to move!:



Little Xena plans on becoming a Highland Dancer soon:



Don't worry, there's more!

Be well,

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

On sunday, we were the Loud Family:



We marched with Clan Macleod (can you believe that we were the only ones wearing Macleod of Lewis? Everyone else was wearing variations of Macleod of Harris-wimps!):



This charming gentleman was in the march in front of us, and as soon as it was over, proceeded to tear off his shirt. Can anyone tell me what tartan that is, so I can be sure to avoid it?



Little Xena decided that she needed more than one hat while we were standing in the heat on the track during the clan presentations:




Next, W2F runs the kilted mile (again!)

Be well,

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

On Saturday AND Sunday at noon, there is a kilted mile. Last year, they ran it at 4 pm, and it was 104 degrees. This year, I think it was a civilized 90 or so on Saturday and the low 80s on Sunday.

W2F ran BOTH days, but we were only able to catch him on Sunday. Remember what they say about real men and kilts? Well, they also say the same thing about real men wearing pink. Therefore, only really real men wear pink kilts, right?!

Coming down the home stretch:



Barely winded:



Ok, maybe he was a little tired:



TimC came to watch the triumphant return:





As we walked away from the track, you can imagine the stares-a group of Loud Macleods and man in a pink kilt! I imagine those who drank too much at the Ceilidh the night before were wishing for sunglasses, or maybe another drink!

Be well,

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

Watching (and dancing with) The Wicked Tinkers is a favorite activity of ours-we've been know to avoid games just because they won't be playing.

On Saturday we only caught part of the show. Here, on stage:



And here, doing the usual walk about (yes, he's heading for the beer tent-too bad it's Budweiser, but he must have been VERY thirsty)



Little Xena loves the Pleasanton Games, because the Tinkers are always on the stage next to this little gazebo, where she can dance. They call it their "disco cage" and she's the disco/highland dancer:



We like to hang out there too-it's shady and cool:



At some point during each performance, they begin to sing (to the tune of "I Want Candy"), "I Want Whiskey". Everyone is happy to oblige-look how delighted Panache is to give away his whiskey!



Imagine-three performances a day, and at least 6 or 7 people offer flasks (and pretty much every band member drinks from each flask). No wonder they don't mind playing over and over again!

Sunday Tinkers to come...

Be well,

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

On Sunday, the weather was so nice, the Tinkers put on marvelous performances. I don't think they could quite believe they were in Pleasanton at all. They have a new Didgeridoo player-just a young kid, who is replacing Jay Atwood, at least part time. His name is C.J. or something like that. He did well, but I'm not sure if the Mohawk is enough to match the bald, blue hand on the face of Jay:



He even spent some time playing with Xena (actually, she's hiding behind me, terrified of this weird looking young man:



The drummers are Warren Casey:



And Keith Jones (he's a MacNaughten and wears the tartan to prove it):



They both have a disturbing habit of spinning around while playing their drums-inadvertant kilt check anyone? Don't worry, I didn't take a picture of that.

Here's Aaron Shaw, hamming it up:



More to come...

Be well,

[Kiltman]

On sunday, we were the Loud Family:



This charming gentleman was in the march in front of us, and as soon as it was over, proceeded to tear off his shirt. Can anyone tell me what tartan that is, so I can be sure to avoid it?

Looks like Clan Chattan.

[English Bloke]

Great pictures, seems like a good time was had by all... Anyone know what the tartan is that the Blue Knights Police Motorcycle Club are wearing?

[Bob C]

Looks like Clan Chattan.

That's my guess, as well. I have a tie in that tartan. Long story.

You Californians sure do have fun. Good on ya!