My mom died, yesterday, very suddenly. She was only 66 and, though she had some health problems, nobody suspected they were terminal.

She gave me my Irish side - Bishops and O'Briens. She was as pigheaded and bossy as I am. We butted heads for 45 years and I miss the hell out of her already.

So, spare a thought for her today, if you will. Members of the Twin Tiers Kilt club, please lift a pint in her honor on Saturday. She was a lady who enjoyed a pint or two in her day.