Kilt Night Report - Atlanta

**Splash_4** · 23rd February 07, 07:40 AM

Well guys, the Atlanta area folks met last night for a kilt night. Cavscout, Turpin, Gilmore and I got together at the Loafing Leprechaun for a bite of dinner and a round or two (ok, for me it was diet coke, but who was looking?)

It was a great evening and a chance to get to know one another. The only down side was the location was a bit of a yuppie bar and was quite loud. As I am a little hard of hearing anyway, it was difficult to hear all of the conversations.

The night also included a show and tell with Cavscout bringing some of his wares and Turpin bringing three of his sporrans (as well as hose from WPG, and a glengary from eBay). Lot's of cool stuff to see and handle (Turpin, that badger full mask with the claw hangers was stunning!) Personally, I went home a little poorer as I took home a three inch kilt belt and sporran strap from Cavscout. (BTW, WOW - I am wearing it now and there is nothing like it! Pictures to follow)

All in all a great evening and I am certainly looking forward to our next one (hopefully thescot, Alan, and shawhighlander can make it for the next one)

For the rest of the rabble that are now asking "where's the pictures", all I can say is 'no habla englis'. I forgot to bring a camera!

In my defense though, I had just gotten off an airplane from Dallas and just had time to run home, pet the wife, kiss the dog and grab my kilt and go.

Mike

(p.s. I had to stop at a McD's on the way home to remove excess liquid and I thought the guy behind the counter was going to explode! Poor guy had never seen a kilt and in walks a 6-1, 290 pounder. They poor guy could not even work the register so I could pay for my sprite!)

**cavscout** · 23rd February 07, 08:16 AM

Oops, I posted this under the other thread also.

Last night was filled with more great conversation. I tell you, if we can find a schedule and location that works for all the guys I've met over the past two gatherings (and you guys in the surrounding area) it will need to be a long evening to allow time to have all the conversations. Everyone's stories are so interesting and varied that you just don't have the time to ask all the questions you have.

The Loafing Leprachaun is a nice place, but very loud (thank you screaming guitar guy

).

We had some great conversation with Gil, Mike and Turpin. Only one inquiry about "the kilt thing" from a drunk guy. I was on the phone at the moment and didn't hear the response from the others but he walked away.

We talked a lot about the things we think are great that each of the vendors here are doing.

We got to see some of Turpin's handywork which was very interesting. That Badger (we don't need no stinking badgers...sorry) was very cool. You really need to post the picks of that. And the "quick change" sporran show was entertaining (I'm brown...now I'm purple....now I'm red...nope...I'm brown again

)

Mike, the sgain dubh was really nice. That is some very nice wood work and detailing. It's a very balanced blade as well.

I shared a bit of my leather goods I've been playing with and some buckles as well.

It's very interesting to see the direction this crowd at X-Marks is taking the concept of kilts as every-day clothing.

It was great to meet up with you guys and I'm looking forward to the next gathering to hopefully ask the rest of my questions.

**Splash_4** · 23rd February 07, 08:24 AM

Originally Posted by cavscout

Only one inquiry about "the kilt thing" from a drunk guy. I was on the phone at the moment and didn't hear the response from the others but he walked away.

You missed a rather humorous exchange...

Him - So why are you guys wearing kilts.
Me - It's Thursday....
Him - [looks confused and thinks about this answer] No, I mean really, why the kilts?
Me - Seriously, one does not need an excuse to wear the kilt, it is quite comfortable.
Him - [looking even more confused] Um, the group over there all wanted to know why and I was volunteered to come ask.
Me - That's cool, just tell them that there is nothing more comfortable for a guy to wear and from what I see of your group, I don't want to dress like a woman.
Him - [looking almost comatose now] Um - Ok....
Me - Hey, all of the girls in YOUR party are wearing pants. It takes a real man to wear a kilt.
Him - [Finally gets it and smiles] That's what I tell them. Thanks!
Me - Looking over and seeing the chuckles around the group!

What a great evening! At least it wasn't "THE QUESTION"

**turpin** · 23rd February 07, 10:34 AM

I agree, it was an enjoyable, but too short evening. We'll have to do it again with enough prior planning to all get kitchen passes (for the married guys) and find a venue that combines a good crowd with a noise level that allows conversation w/o shouting. Splash 4's sgian dubh (actually more of a sgian dun) was a real work of art. Kudos to his dad. And what can I say about Cav's leatherwork that hasn't been said already? Gilmore shared his experiences in India and Nepal - very interesting how he combines kilting with his other avocation.

I have a few things left to do on the Badger before posting, but it will be coming soon. It's a step up from the skunk I did last fall, I will admit (in all modesty)

**Livingston** · 23rd February 07, 11:23 AM

Sounds like you guys had a great time. Next time DON'T FORGET THE CAMERA

As far as the kitchen pass, bring the wife with you. You'll score a point for taking her out to dinner. I've been to 3 here and my wife made it to the 3rd one. She actually enjoyed herself and will go to more of them.

**gilmore** · 26th February 07, 03:48 AM

Yes, it was a very nice get together indeed.

**thescot** · 26th February 07, 02:27 PM

Man, I had the crud all week, so I didn't get to do much of anything that didn't involve a recliner and codein cough syrup. I really hate missing out on this deal because I already know what class guys at least two of you are. And I'm pretty sure about the rest.

Yeah, we really need another gathering[s] when we can talk, swap sea stories, and compare stuff. don't forget that at least some of us will be at the Celtic Tavern on April 6 for Tartan Day, but there are also other opportunities between now and then.

Looking forward to some pics.

**cavscout** · 26th February 07, 02:36 PM

Sorry to hear that Jim. We did miss having you.

I'm all for trying Fado's next as long as they promise not to have a "Screaming Guitar Guy". If they do I may try a new recipe ingredient for Haggis, though it might make it a bit "stringy" (boioioing

)

**turpin** · 26th February 07, 03:29 PM

Every Monday night Fado's has a Celtic Session with folks just sitting around jamming. you get some really good musicians. There is also a regular session at the Harp in Roswell that is family friendly.