So, on Sunday I had errands to run. My beloved Abigail (lovely dog though she is) had shredded her bedding into scraps. As the weather is turning cool now, I thought she'd appreciate an intact blanket or two.

As the weather was cool and fine, I donned a black shirt, belted on my kilt, and set off in search of a warm blanky for Abby.

I arrived at my local Target store. As I was walking across the parking lot, A lovely blonde lady with a toddler in tow yelled "Nice Kilt!" I thanked her for the compliment, and she asked me my clan. I advised I was wearing a regimental tartan (The Citadel) and she enthusiastically recounted her history with the city of Charleston. We parted ways and I entered the store.

I found a couple of snug (and reasonably tough) synthetic blankets. For a wonder they were a reasonable approximation of Citadel Blue. I snagged them at once.

A friend had asked me to acquire some travel-sized toothpaste and anti-perspirants for a project for the local battered women's shelter. As I located the proper aisle, an older lady said "It's a lovely tartan! May I ask what clan?"

I again recounted the origin of the tartan, and she replied that she had visited the Citadel. Her sons were graduates of the College of Charleston! I witheld my condolences as being impolitic . (A very inside joke. Citadel alumni like to say that the Citadel is the college of Charleston. The institution of that name serves only to confer the MRS degree upon the brides of Citadel graduates.)

So...In the space of 20 minutes I was complimented, twice, by ladies of (without question) excellent taste!