Haven't posted for some time due to website work that's been keeping me really busy. I'm adding kilts 42-45 to my collection. Three of them are from Bilt Kilt (all box pleats): Denim, Stone, Metal Grey. The 4th is a USAK casual in the Albannach tartan. That's my 9th USAK kilt, giving me 5 casuals and 4 semi-trads.

I've also added an argyll jacket and vest and 2 tweed braemar jackets and vests to my wardrobe, one in lovat blue, the other lovat green. These were all purchased from USA Kilts. Rocky and Kelly are great folks.

I've reached a point where I'm prepared to wear a kilt for any occasion.

My intent in posting is not to brag, but to say that wearing a kilt has really been a life changing event for me. In August it will be 4 years that I've worn a kilt as my daily attire. I'm 62. I started wearing a kilt because of medical conditions. I fell in love with the comfort, the appearance, the history, and certainly the social aspect - that is, meeting people because of wearing the kilt. It's almost like reinventing yourself - confidence, introvert to extrovert, pride in appearance.

Certainly no one needs 45 kilts, 21 of which are wool. I'm fully aware of my good fortune in being able to make that kind of investment, and I'm thankful to have a supportive wife as well other family and friends that accept my choice of attire. For Father's Day my son gave me two books: SCOTLAND, by David Lyons ; and CLANS & TARTANS OF SCOTLAND & IRELAND, by James MacKay.

We made a trip home to Ohio to visit my 82 year old mother a few weeks ago. When my 34 year old nephew saw my Alpha Kilt, he had to have one. So my niece helped take measurements, and he now has a Khaki Edinburgh model of the Alpha Kilt (has cargo pockets). He called and said he absolutely loves it. Well we all know what can happen after you get that first kilt! I've had more than one kilt maker tell me that they sometimes feel like drug dealers.

Just one more thing about wearing a kilt as your daily attire - knowing when NOT to wear one. I enjoy riding my motorcycle. I enjoy it more because I ALWAYS wear full riding gear which includes helmet, gloves, armored riding jacket and armored riding pants. My son is getting married in October, and I'll be wearing a black tuxedo. Why? It's my son's and his bride's day. They need to stand out and I need to blend in.

Darrell