Bagpipes and Duct Tape

I love the Highland Games. The sound of the pipes. The men in kilts. Especially the men in kilts.

It has become something of a tradition now for Doug and I to go to the Games in Fredericton and hang with the Macleans. I love the fact that I get to spend time with people I don't see anywhere else except for this yearly ritual. It's great fun.

I also got to meet a new friend for the first time in real life. Lori also had two friends with her, so I got to meet them too. As much fun as the Maclean men are to spend time with, it was great to have some girls to hang out with. We watched the heavy events for a little while and briefly discussed the wisdom of the competitors wearing spandex shorts under their kilts for comfort and safety. How could I have that discussion with my male Maclean pals?

Since I always get nervous meeting someone for the first time, I was on my (almost) best behaviour and trying to stay out of trouble. As we girls walked over towards the food vendors, however, I noticed a curious sensation as I stepped with my left foot. Glancing down, I was stunned to see that almost the entire sole had separated from my shoe and I was doing some sort of comedic flip-flopping as I walked. It threatened to let go entirely and was folding over on itself with each and every step!

It was so ridiculous, it was almost surreal, but it was a great bonding moment! And (no pun intended with the previous sentence) I learned that men in kilts do not carry crazy glue in their sporrans. The best Ian could offer me was tape, in three different colours, and he claimed that, with that variety, I could almost make a tartan with it.

Well, Ian, I did my best.


My "tartan tape" sneaker got a few curious looks, but hey -- I was 100 km from home and I was there to have fun. And if duct tape is good enough for MacGyver (obviously a Scots name), then it was good enough for me!

Tomorrow we head back to the Games and I get to break in my brand-spankin'-new sneakers, purchased on my way home tonight. Let's hope I don't get blisters to go along with my sunburn. :)