Ceilidh

Saturday
This evening we were invited to a Ceilidh by our friends Andy and Karen. Karen started Scottish dancing some years ago now, but then switched to playing the bagpipes with the Cincinnati Caledonian Pipes and Drums. She was born in Derby in the Midlands, as was I, and she had no particular Scottish or Irish connections, but she has always been interested in the bagpipes, and wanted to learn to play! They play at several local parades and events, but also compete at several Highland Games events in Ohio and neighbouring states. The event is largely a fund raising event for them, and a means of getting their name known. There was a dinner and drinks included. We got there at 6pm as instructed, for a 6.30 start, and it got to about 6.20, and we were surprised still not to have seen Andy or Karen. Karen arrived soon after, with the news that Andy wouldn’t be coming - he had been out cycling in the morning, and he came off his bike, and pretty much landed on his face! There had been a shower earlier, and he said the wheels just went out from under him. Someone saw it happen and called 911. Fortunately he was wearing a helmet, and retained consciousness, and they said there was no concussion, but his lower teeth came through his lip, so he needed a few stitches, his eye was almost swollen shut, and the rest of his face was badly grazed! Once he was patched up he was allowed home, and he insisted he would be alright for Karen to come out.
Apart from that, it was an enjoyable evening.