As always, ventures such as this weekend are thanks to the efforts of many. My biggest thanks goes to Greg. He arrived at the fairgrounds on Wednesday, partly because he helps in the RV area with check-in etc. He set up our tents under the trees and procured tables for us. When he returned on Thursday all our things were moved and bleachers were set up in the corner with the thought in mind of holding the gr IV contest in that area. Greg moved everything to a new, desirable spot way down at the other end of that general space, I guess near the BBQ. Friday he came to warm up for his piobaireachd and found they'd moved all the bleachers and abandoned the spot, so he single-handedly moved all the tents BACK to where they ended up, getting help later to move the tables. Truly a heroic effort and I hope you all tell him how much we appreciate it! Not only that, he made yummy dogs for lunch both days. Sorry about the catsup/ketchup!!! 

Sean, Tom, Duayne, Lindsay, Joe, Pat and Greg were all most helpful in unloading my car both days and transporting everything back to the tents, and Joe helped me load everything last night. 

EVERYONE seemed to help out in putting away the tents, picking up and taking recycling (thank you, Gina and Teri!), disposing of garbage, and generally allowing us to leave the place looking clean and nice. 
 

As usual, I probably can't remember all the competitors in solos, but know that Walt got a 2nd out of umpteen in pio, Sean made the playoffs in his 2/4, Greg came in 6th, which is nothing to sneeze at with leets as big as they are (again, in the teens); Annette got seconds in pio and 6/8 and, I believe, a 4th in her MSR, again in a large field, and Wm placed (help me out here!) in another large class, with help from Piper Joe! Nice job, everyone. Not sure who else competed but anyone who takes that on is to be commended. 

Thanks to Pat for suggesting On the Border for dinner; 14 of us enjoyed a nice meal and some decompressing before driving home last night. 

Betty made brownies and Teri did my hair, as well as joining Greg and Bob H in tuning. I don't remember who else helped with that on Saturday. T

he fact that you guys don't get all stressed out (apparently) over competing helps me to do the same, so thank you for your calm manner and good-natured attitudes. Believe me, not all bands are like this! 
 
We have a new set of cap badges so if yours is broken or tentative, let Bob B know. They are from a new foundry, local, and came out beautifully, but are expensive! 
 
Let's consider a new order of ties as a lot of ours are getting faded and stained. Someone remind me... I think John Burke got them last time, does anyone remember? I believe we got them from a uniform store in Santa Rosa. 
 
Scott Ruscoe, currently playing with PC III (he's from the gr I band) took the time to stop by on Sunday and listen for a bit. He's the one who's making the pressure gauges for us. I think you'll like him, presuming we can get him to come up to train us how to use the things. 
 
I know those whom I've left out will speak up. 
 
Best wishes to Bob H on his next backpacking/climbing trip up Half Dome; to Greg who is camping (some more!) and to Lindsay whose nephew passed away (Agnes' son, mid 50's, of cancer) - he and Janette were leaving today for a week in Scotland. 
 
the pm