We had one of our two area pipers over to the house yesterday. He graduated high school this year (after winning the John Phillip Souza award.) He played on the back deck, on and off, for most of the day. It was a rare day here on the coast with clear skies and a light breeze blowing across the lake behind the house (the lake is situated next to the beach.)

At approximately 5PM he started his last song. A Ceol Mohr piece entitled "Glengarry's Lament," composed by Archibald Munroe. As the music began to fill the air, I spotted one of the bald eagles that nests here on the lake flying out from the far shore. Watching the eagle as it soared over the water, its climbing and diving appeared to flow with the rhythm of the music. The gentle breeze on the water and sound it made through the trees became a counterpoint to the pipes, while the sound of the pounding surf became the underlying beat for the music.

As the last of the music drifted over the lake, a soft silence enveloped us. Suddenly, a disembodied voice came from behind the trees. “Hello, it’s your neighbor. Could you play that inside? It’s vibrating in my house.” I informed him the young man had just finished. We heard a “Thank you” and the sound of his door closing.

Unfortunately, this didn’t surprise me. This particular neighbor is only here for one month out of the summer. I spent many years having to deal with people like him, while doing my job quietly behind the scenes. The piper was surprised that somebody didn’t like the pipes. My wife’s reaction was to the point, she said; “He has no soul!” After he left my daughter came up to me and quietly said; “Thank you.” Being a little confused I asked her why the thank you. Her answer showed wisdom past her 15 years. She said; “Dad, you could have used his rudeness and lack of understanding in asking us to stop playing, to tell him off and pick a fight. I am proud you were better than him.” I dare say more than one life lesson was taught yesterday. That young piper is always welcome on our deck.

I didn't take any photos yesterday, however, here's one I took a while back.