So...in spite of an unprecedented Emergency Evacuation Drill and a very hectic week, Turpin and I got a chance to get together at the Castle and Elephant on Adams Street here in the Chicago Loop.

Remarkably good to meet him and have a couple of beers and yak about kilts, kilt gear and the forum. Got to see his new kilt belt with a round Celtic Knot buckle...very sharp. Unfortunately...and don't get on our cases here, guys...owing to business circumstances, it was totally impractical for me to wear the kilt and Turpin was in transit so he figured that he'd just come as he was as well. This is a shame because I didn't get a chance to see his Gordon Tank...I reckon that those of you going to the Stone Mountain Games will be meeting him and getting a chance to behold the Tank in question. Kilts or no, it was truly great to get together with another Xsmarkser. Topics of discussion: kilts (of course), sghians, how we came to wear the kilt, Hamish (THE man!) and what a seriously well attended Xsmarks convention would be like...I imagine that such an event would cause any bartenders involved to consider changing professions...

Guid on ye, Turp...safe ride home and remember me to the Kilted Brethren at the Games.

Best

AA

ps: ...did I mention that Bucky Balls came up in the conversation?