Ode to a Braw Lassie

It takes guts to play an instrument in public, especially when one isn't very good. Especially when that instrument is the bagpipes.

But there she was, in the park, next to the parking lot, playing her heart out for all to hear. Faint at first, I thought the music was coming from someone's car stereo. It grew steadily louder as we walked along the sidewalk between the lot and the creek. Slow and melancholy, the tune was haunting, at odds with the bright sunny day. I was enjoying it, when suddenly the piper had some trouble and a strangled bleating momentarily derailed the tune. She picked right back up though, and kept going bravely on, despite the unintended squeaks and squawks. I was impressed. Not with her skill, which was spotty, but with her courage and audacity at playing a highly conspicuous and notoriously difficult instrument out in full view and hearing of all passersby. As someone who tends to be invisible, I admire that.

And now....something completely light and fluffy

Estes Park, where the elk go wherever they want. Here they are hanging out on someone's lawn enjoying the sun. The little calf bears a striking resemblance to my Puppy.

The Black Knight - during the parade before the Heavy Armoured Combat (in his out-of-period cowboy hat), and then ready for the joust. He unhorsed his last opponent (imagine crashing to the ground from the back of a galloping Clydesdale or Percheron wearing a hundred pounds of armour. Ouch!) and was crowned victor of the tournament.

The Broadtailed Hummingbird - he actually posed for a couple of minutes. "Humph" he seems to say. "You are not a tasty flower. Begone!"

The dreaded Highlands Battle Chicken. If the Mad Ladies in Skirts* don't frighten you off, the chicken will.

Enjoying the scenery. In so many ways.....

* The Highlanders wore kilts, played bagpipes as a way to unnerve their enemies and fought like crazed demons. The English nicknamed them Mad Ladies in Skirts.