Enjoyed an RDO off today, wrote an article for a Australian based Scottish paper, then went over and spent a couple of hours with an old friend, Alex. He is a old piper, just turned 80 and very unwell..... It was sad to see him so unhappy. He cheered up with a bit of company, but still so lonely. He is selling his pipes, which I know is a difficult decision for him but he knows he wont play them again and would rather see them being used. I wish I could afford them. Going to practice mine soon, as we have a mini band contest on tomorrow. Loz is running the BBQ at the contest so I have to run round in the morning picking up snags, steak, black pudding, bread, rolls, drinks etc. and then get home, get changed and present myself ready to compete efore lunchtime. After the contest we are having a ceiledh so dont know what time we,ll be home, but it will be a great night. 
Here is a lovely photo of old Alec....... get well mate!  b

Had a great time today at the Epping Model Railway Exhibition. My favourite was a display set in America, which showed a boat ramp and marina. There was heaps of detail in it. It won the award for the best new display. After that Loz and I went to the Macquarie Centre for lunch and did a spot of shopping, always fun. Got home at about 4pm, then got the pipes out. I have a contest next Saturday at Windsor. I am having a bit of trouble with 1 bar in one of the tunes, so I worked on that a bit, then rewarded myself by playing my Piobaireach. I hope to go to Adelaide next year to compete with that tune so have to practice it regularly. Band practice tomorrow!! :)