Last spring, The VP decided he wanted to learn how to play the bagpipes. I don't think I've mentioned much about it here because frankly, I was hoping it would be a short-lived fad. I was crossing my fingers that when he realized how long it would take to become even minimally proficient, he'd throw in the towel and take up a new hobby. So far, he hasn't been deterred.
So for the past seven months, our house has been filled with the sounds of a beginning piper. Not sure what that's like? Imagine some heavy machinery running over a cat. To be fair, I've heard some dramatic improvements in the last several weeks. The cat sounds less tortured. I recognize Amazing Grace because it sounds like Amazing Grace, not because The VP tells me that's what he's playing.
Even with the emergence of acutal tunes, I was still having difficulties not resenting the pipes. The only night his pipe and drum club practices (free lessons) is Monday night - my long-standing winter soccer night. I ungraciously gave up my soccer to indulge his new hobby.
After last evening, however, all is forgiven. The VP took me to his pipe and drum club Christmas party. Oh wow. I had a great time. Today I have a mild hangover, but I also have 40 new best friends. Open bar + Shriners...why, you'd have to be the surly lady in room 233 not to enjoy that combination.
My favorite part was watching the guys grab their instruments and head down to the lobby to serenade the front desk and then crash the wedding party in the ballroom down the hall while playing Scotland the Brave. The wedding party demanded that they stay and have a drink or three. Back in the hospitality room, we continued celebrating until about 1 a.m. I think. And only one visit from hotel security. (Nice young man...he offered us the open conference room at the end of the hall saying it would fit more people and would be sufficiently removed from room 233 to put an end to the noise complaint calls.)
I hate to admit it, but I'm starting to look forward to the parades this summer. I was hoping I wouldn't have to attend, but I can't wait to see this group again. And if you think Shriners have a festive reputation...you should meet their wives and girlfriends.
I choose to ignore how that last sentence may cast certain aspersion upon my character. I suggest you do likewise.
Posted by Cathy at December 4, 2005 03:08 PM"The Irish gave the bagpipes to the Scots as a joke, but the Scots haven't seen the joke yet." -- Oliver Herford
Posted by: aelfheld at December 5, 2005 11:00 AMDoes he wear the kilt too?
Posted by: Aunt S at December 5, 2005 12:52 PMHe's starting the pipes, and he's already off the chanter?
Not bad...
Posted by: mitch at December 5, 2005 01:59 PMKilt has arrived.
Mitch, he's still using the chanter. Pipes are here, but he hasn't been able to quite get the hang of them yet. I just felt too lazy to explain it in the post.
Posted by: Cathy at December 5, 2005 05:47 PM