Stone Mountain Highland Games

It was a fabulous Scottish weekend! A time to reconnect with friends from near and far at Stone Mountain for the glorious Scottish Highland Games. This year we have 35 bands and over 600 pipers and drummers. The weather was perfect. Cathy and I dined on BarbQue and fresh roasted corn and, of course - funnel cakes! I had powdered sugar all over me when the wind blew it from the cakes. I am just tooooo sweet. We visited the Cameron Tent to see our friend Kathleen. We welcomed the Canadian Mounted Police Pipe Band and had a nice conversation with them. After a full day at the park, we changed for dinner and had a scrumptious Scottish Buffet at the Hilton followed by an Alex Beaton Concert along with Smithfield Faire. The traditional music of Scotland and Ireland is passed on to the different generations by the wonderful musicians. I also visited with Billy Kennedy, the author of several books on the Scots Irish influence in America. Cathy and I got autographed copies of his newest book Three Men of Destiny (David Crockett, Andrew Jackson and Sam Huston).

Cathy, Suzanne, Stephanie, Lani, Guy, Jason, Melinda and, of course, moi - really enjoyed our yearly dining experience. The chef went out of his way to do a good job on the special menu. If you haven't enjoyed mashed parsnips, you should try them. I thought they were mashed potatoes - I must try to make this dish.

On Sunday, I enjoyed sitting under the pines with a gentle breeze and listening to Alex Beaton sing the old tunes and he surprised us with a verse of DIXIE and I was thrilled. Henri's Notions a musical group from Alabama also entertained us. They sang "I'll Fly Away" so appropriate for Sunday. There was even a Scottish Wedding while I was there but, alas, I didn't get any photos. I must be slipping. I only made 72 photos but I still have more to see because Cathy has some as well. Brave Cathy spent the night on Saturday in the guest/toy room. I warned her that she might have to share her bed with a few zillion Barbie dolls and some missing legos but she was a trooper. With Cathy back in town, the old gang is together again! That's a good feeling. It is energizing!

Be kind,

Sue