Things to do to take the edge of the jones?

*Kilted yard work...cut a dashing figure! Make your neighbors' wives say "Why can't you dress like that?" to their husbands.

*Get a practice chanter and get busy! In a pinch a tin whistle makes a decent substitute...it's really quite fufilling.

*Read some Terry Pratchett...I just finished "The Fifth Elephant" and it was pretty darn good and funny.

*Find listings for ALL of the Highland Games within reasonable driving distance (at $3.00+ a gallon...you might want to carpool on this) and get on MAPQUEST for very detailed driving instructions with the criteria that you get to stop for lunch only at someplace that has truly good biscuits and gravy....sorry...I've had biscuits and gravy on the mind lately and the only time I can find good ones is when I'm on a road trip; they just don't have any place in Chicago that "gets it" when it comes to B's&G.

*Three words: KNIT KILT HOSE!

*Lobby your state legislators to make Robby Burns Day an official holiday...day off school, day off work. Hey...we get Casimir Pulaski day here in Chicago...it could happen!

*Go around to all your local McDonalds and ask for haggis...when they tell you that they don't have it, complain loudly..."..how the hell can you have a restaurant with a SCOTTISH name and NOT serve haggis?".

You can do it...every day brings you closer to your kilt.

Best

AA