clanforum
General Category => Games & Festivals => Topic started by: Duke Thompson on October 10, 2008, 03:43:23 PM
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The January games are fast approaching. I was thinking of working them but have realized that I should volunteer to arrange and work a Clan Thompson tent. Checking prices but I think it would be a hundred some dollars and I could probably swing that. I would want Clan approval and would need help with background info and something to distribute, but have a degree in marketing I could put to use on it.
Any thoughts? Anyone nearby or planning to attend?
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Hey Duke,
First, dont forget to send me your address so I can mail your Thank You gift...
Please get more information on the cost of the tent etc. I'm sure we can pull together a few items for you to make a display.
Donna
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Hi Duke -
We have time. We need a Florida commissioner ---- are you volunteering? We have support as far as table covers, tent banners, handouts, literature, etc. For background, recommend you read the various websites about the Border reivers (even thought we aren't listed on some of them!). Two books I would recommend are Steel Bonnets by Fraser and The Border Reivers by Moffat. You can find them used on amazon.com or addall.com for very reasonable prices. Steel Bonnets is a very in depth study and the Border Reivers is more 'reader friendly'....... Tom is working on a Thom(p)son-specific history for the Border and Lothian areas and we'll have that ready for you (and possibly an abbreviated history for handout) by then.
Maybe it would be best if we talked on the phone and discussed some of these areas.........if you agree, let us know when would be convenient and we'll give you a ring!
It would be great to have a presence at the games in Florida!
Mary
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Happy to talk about it, give me a call. I did check and the tent, table and 2 chairs for the 2 days would be $85-$95. Less than I had heard through the grapevine.
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So, I believe I have been duly appointed and duly accepted and duly confirmed in the role of Florida Commissioner for the Clan Thompson Society. Now, everyone plan to come to Orlando in January for the games!!!! We do not have snow!!!
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Congratulations Duke, and way step up and supprt your extended family!!
One word of advise---comfortable shoes!!!!!!!!
Have a great time, enjoy yourself, and get plenty of names & signups
Booner
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Way to go Duke! If things go right John and I talked about going to the Orlando Games. January is a good time to go south. ;D
Barbara
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Thanks Booner, looking for brown Ghillie Brogues now (will have a Thompson Hunting kilt). Would you advise against them? Any suggestions on something more comfortable? I am already looking at synthetic vs leather soles...
Barbara, do plan to come!!! The two of you would give us a potential of seven attendees that I know of so far and I'm sure there are some snow-birds that will be looking to thaw for a weekend... Maybe a Clan Thompson road-trip?
Mary, any hints on Ghillie Brogues? I normally take a U.S. size 10. Given the heavier sock, are there any size issues I should pay attention too? Is this something you carry? Checking your site now...
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Hi Duke -
Well, the only ones I know of are in Scotland and run upwards of $250. As an option, look at these from an eBay store - you would just have to get longer shoe laces! What'cha think? (darn, lost another sale! :)
http://search.stores.ebay.com/KAT-WALK-SHOES_brown-brogues_W0QQfciZQ2d1QQfclZ4QQfsnZKATQ2dWALKQ2dSHOESQQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQsaselZ132804591QQsofpZ0
Mary
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Thanks Booner, looking for brown Ghillie Brogues now (will have a Thompson Hunting kilt). Would you advise against them? Any suggestions on something more comfortable? I am already looking at synthetic vs leather soles...
We got a pair of really nice ones for my son with leather uppers and very well made synthetic soles, with a bit of cushion and traction. The leather soles don't keep your feet warm and are really slippery when wet. Also, some of them are glued together rather than sewn, and I really doubt those would hold up well over time. It was well worth our time to do a bit of research and find some better quality ones.
Mary, I think we paid like $110, and these were top-of-the-line, so a better deal than $250. We got them from a gal named Heather, who sells Irish dance ghillies, but also had good contacts for ghillie brogues. Here's her information.
GHILLIE GAL
Heather Rogers
10523 West Turtle Mountain
Littleton CO, 80127
Tel - 303 941 5081
heather@ghilliegal.com
Hope this helps.
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Good information, Michael - thanks! The more sources and options we can find, the better!
I also found these and this might be the 'deal of the century'.................... http://www.britishshop.com/item.php?item_id=1985
In New York and $85.00 WITH the long lacing............Brown ghillie brogues, leather uppers, synthetic sole at the British Shop online.
Mary
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Okay all, it looks like the clan tent at the Central Florida games in January is official. I talked to the games VP and they did receive my request form and check and all is in good shape. If you are thinking to attend, take a look at their web site http://www.flascot.com and I will keep posting here as I have updates. I will post the official event hotel here as soon as I find it. Mary, is it okay if I send them the Clan Thompson Society graphic that you did to post on their web site?
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Mary, is it okay if I send them the Clan Thompson Society graphic that you did to post on their web site?
Certainly!
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Great, thanks Mary! And the check for the clan tent cleared today, so we are official and paid...
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Super! Fred and Babs will be there with stuff for the table and some handouts - John and Barbara Moore are hoping to be able to make the trip to FL for their vacation (they usually do one in the summer, but missed this year with Barbara's back problems.....so a winter break in Florida sounds good too!). Tom and I were hoping ....but we just aren't going to have the finances available. darn!!!!
We'll some of the handouts online and you can download what you like and make copies to hand out. I know Fred and Babs have some but I'm not sure which ones or how many - you might need to get with them so you don't make things you don't need....?
Can you think of anything else we can do to help? All of the members coming to FL have worked in the tents before, so you'll be fine.
Mary and Tom
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Thanks Mary, I will start trying to coordinate some sort of schedule as the time approaches and people know plans for coming into town. I am sure we will all have a great time. I will have a Thompson Hunting Flag and a Thompson Grey flag, do not have a Thompson Blue Flag at this point but might by then (would want blue for the parade of tartans). I am hoping to be able to go on Friday to help set up for the games in general and then back early Saturday for our Clan tent decor.
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I'm doing .pdf files of stuff you can print. I know they load slower and all, but they are pretty much guaranteed to get to you looking the way they left here!
As you think of what YOU would want at a clan tent, let us know (all of us reading this) and we'll see what we can provide!
Mary
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Hi Everyone,
If you are planning to attend the 2009 Central Florida Highland Games please do a new post here to let me know as you make plans and we can coordinate a good time and a successful tent for the clan!
Thanks,
Duke
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Hi Duke, John and I are not sure yet that we will get to make it. My mother in W.V. is not doing well and we may have to make a trip there. :(
Barbara
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Hello Everyone,
Clan Thompson is now listed on the 2009 Central Florida Highland Games site:
http://www.flascot.com/clans.htm
Keep making your plans to attend...and posting them here...
Thanks,
Duke
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Mary and I are trying to get there for the games its about 3 hours from us.
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Hello John,
Are you planning for a hotel or RVing? If you are looking for a hotel, that information is available at the games site referenced a couple of posts prior. Hope you can make it, I would like to have the help and numbers at the clan tent and it is a well attended and well put together games! If you come up on Friday the trip may be a little easier as well.
Thanks,
Duke
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Barbara!!!!!!!!!!
Albannock will be at the Florida Games!!!!!!!!!!! You may want to think about going! It won't be just the weather that will warm your bones!
The also have another band called "The Wyndbreakers" I could be in that band, I've been practising solo for years.
Have a great time Duke
Regards,
Booner
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I'm going to miss ALBANNACH???!!! :o :'( :'( Doesn't look like we can make it. :( Dang! I was really looking forward to some warm weather. Suppose to have sleet and ice Tuesday morning here. ::)
Barbara
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Don't give up, Barbara! Use the trip as a celebration of John's retirement! The weather might not be rainy/icy on the way in January!!! (We're getting it here, too. I wanted SNOW, not ice and rain).
You could always load up your little doggie, pack some meals and drive down and stay at a motel too. Rudy is a bit too large for us to sneak in......:(
I think it sounds like great fun!
Mary
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Barbara & John, John & FL Mary, TN Mary and Tom - gas prices are down so all come if you can! TN Mary, I have a backyard and room for your dog...
Barbara, maybe Booner can bring you down on his motorcycle! Booner, I could get you an interview with the Wyndbreakers and if they do not need any new band members, we could do a duet or a trio, my son is 7 and would be a good alto for a trio.
Games details are at http://www.flascot.com/ and please pay attention to the links at the very very top of the page. I hesitate to post anything here in case something changes, so take a look directly at the games site. Let me know what questions you have... I have been talking their collective ears off over the past couple of months...
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Duke:
I would be happy to help out.
We live in Sarasota - please let me know details.
We'll be there.
John and Sarah
Thanks John and Sarah, links to the event site for details are below. There is a host hotel with some evening activities, but not sure exactly what they are yet. Once we get a little closer, have a few more posts and travel info we can work out a tent schedule for anyone that wants to participate at the Clan Thompson tent...
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Albannock will be at the Florida Games!!!!!!!!!!!
Those guys are outstanding! We saw them in Estes Park; they just have boatloads of energy. Really great music, especially for a rock and roll head like me.
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Michael, doesn't the tribal beat of "Albannach" get into your blood? Anyone with a drop of Scottish blood can't help loving that band. I've known them from their first appearance in the U.S. at Glasgow, KY Highland Games in 2001 or '02. They were Clann an Drumma then, but the two older guys (that started the band) left and the younger ones renamed themselves Albannach and have really made a name for themselves. They look rough but they are very nice, sweet people. Their music touches something deep in my soul, and Jamesie.......be still my heart! ;D
Barbara
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I just ordered our tickets for the games.
We plan to visit with friends in Oviedo and bring them to the games.
They went with us last year to Sarasota games in Venice FL
John and Mary
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I'm sure y'all will have a wonderful time in Central Florida! I'll be there with you in spirit!
I just got my Clan Thompson Society news letter! Way to go Mary! Great job!
Donna
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Got my Thompson Newsletter today too. Way to go Mary, Donna and Paula! Great job y'all. :D
Barbara
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Anyone who can make the Florida Highland Games..........DO! We'll have 4 or 5 couples/families there to help run the tent (at least on Saturday - on Sunday, Duke and family may be on their own!) But, the more the merrier! A good chance to meet and greet!
Wish we could be there too! :'(
http://www.flascot.com
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We just received our advance tickets for Central Florida games
Mary was at a baby shower on Saturday and found out that 2 more people from LaBelle plan to be at the games next week.
Some might be interested in attached story about South Florida games
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/fort_lauderdale/sfl-flbscottish0111sbjan11,0,2589514.story
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Hello All,
The games are less than a week away!!! Glad your tickets showed up John! Fred, thanks for planning to bring the items for the tent, let me know when you get into town Friday and I will come pick them up (unless you want to meet me the next morning around 6:30am)! I think we will have enough "stuff" to make a good impression. I will also be bringing a few books, some Scottish coins, a Thompson Grey flag, a Thompson Hunting flag, and Society memorabilia. I have to be set up Saturday morning before 8am, planning to be there between 6 and 6:30am. More to come...
Duke
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Hi Duke:
Sarah and I are booked into the host hotel from the night of Jan 16 through to the 18th.
Looking forward to meeting you and other Clan members at the Games.
Happy to help out as necessary.
See you soon!
In kinship
John
941-567-7424 (cell)
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WEATHER FORECAST for Sunny Florida
Friday High 60 Low 37 (farenheit) slight chance of rain (travel day, games not open)
Saturday High 62 Low 36 Sunny and Clear (setting up the table in a kilt in 36 degrees at 6:30am, games at 8)
Sunday High 67 Low 44 Partly cloudy no rain
There is a parade of tartans each day! Bands playing non-stop at the bandshell, plenty of pipers and vendors, and of course the highland games. I will be shooting in the archery competition - we'll see if I (and the Clan) have anything to brag about on Sunday night!
On a side note, I did get my parking permit and it says simply, "CLAN PARKING" - which in this part of the world could still be taken the wrong way. Will make a suggestion that they change that to Scottish Clan Parking!
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Duke,
I understand very well the " misunderstanding " that the word Clan by itself can envoke.
Several years ago when we had our AGM in Williamsburg, Va., my girlfriend and I had gotten
ready and were leaving for our formal dinner. As we were walking down the hallway, we passed
a group Afro-america ladies who asked if we were going to a wedding. Without thinking I said
no, we are going to a clan meeting. My girlfriend's eyes popped and jaw dropped. One of the ladies said to me most graceously " Honey, you can't say things like that down here ". Given
the opportunity to explain that the clan I was talking about meant family in Scotland and told
them about our group. We all had a big laugh and went on our way. Just wanted to let you know
that know where you are coming from with " Clan Parking "
Enjoy the games
Best Wishes
Tom/Barbara----Indiana
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You guys are going to have such a good time.......I'm sooooooooooooooooo jealous. I could just go in circles stamping my feet and grinding my teeth (but I can't afford the dental damage THAT would do!) STOMP STOMP STOMP STOMP
Sigh..........I guess I'll have to hope for next year.
John and John - any hope you guys might make the AGM this year???
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I soooooo wish I could be there for the games in Florida,besides being Daytona season, I've just heard Albannach is going to be there! What a party! Those of you going check them out for us!
yours in family & spirit Bev
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Hey Bev!
Good to see you online again! I know, doesn't it just make you sick that we can't all be in FL for the fun???
You ARE going to be at the AGM in Glasgow this year, aren't you????? Albannach's usually there............... ;D
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Hey Y'all,
I havent posted much in the past few weeks...sorry :'(
After working for AT&T for over 40 years, I've been retired for just over a year and that initial thrill of doing what I want, when I want, is gone.
Now I'm feeling...unemployed. I need to take a "retirement 101" class to find out what I'm supposed to do with myself! I'm either sitting around with nothing to do or so busy that I fall asleep at the dinner table. Maybe I'll ask Dr Phil...not!
Mary, thanks for removing St Nick from the main page! It's almost time to put in a wee Leprechaun ;)
Donna
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Hi Donna --
Therapy ----research Thompsons and POST!!! You don't need Dr. Phil...you just need a new obsession and I think this should be it! And I do speak from experience! ::)
I THOUGHT I had removed the Santa before.......then yesterday, I went to the home page and there he was! Oops! Wonder if I can do a Leprecaun in a kilt.........hmmmmmmmmmm
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Donna - Retirement is fun!
I retired in September 2006 after many years in IT
The county contracted with me to do many special projects, here I am over 2 years later still doing the fun parts of my old job.
I'm in contact almost daily with vendors and various county and state agencies
It's great to be needed and have a reason to get up in the morning
I gave no set hours , I have office space and phone in Courthouse but I am seldom there, phone auto forwards to home office line.
I work a lot from home so commuting is minimal and since we bought our new house actual commute is less than 3 miles VS 25 miles each way for years.
Mary is still working full time in Felony courts at courthouse so if we plan to do anything she has to take time off.
Like today we are leaving here early so that we can be a friends in Oviedo early this evening and plan to go to games in AM
John
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Don't forget your camera!!!
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Duke
Mary and I made it to Oviedo
we are having an excellent visit here with friends and will be at Games in the morning.
John
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First pictures in from the Florida games.........thanks Duke! LOOKS GOOD and yes, Michael, the REIVERS RIDE AGAIN!
http://www.clanthompson.org/CTF/FL%201.jpg
http://www.clanthompson.org/CTF/FL%202.jpg
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And one with some of the motley crew! Duke, Taylor, Babs, Fred and Ed
http://www.clanthompson.org/CTF/Motley.jpg
Lookin' good guys (and ladies, of course - Babs always looks like she just stepped out of a band box perfect!)!
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Mary and I made to Saturday games, I took many pictures - we were not able to return on Sunday due to our host's minor illness
here are a couple of pictures including the grand parade of Clans which announced the Clan Thompson Society as a participant on the event.
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Looks like everyone had loads of fun! Wish I could have been there! Unfortunately, I've been out shovelling a foot of snow that Mother Nature dumped on us over the last 24 hours. Oh well I guess we can't all have warm breezes and sunshine... (big sigh!).
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Hello Everyone!
What a GREAT event! More pictures to come, Mary I will have them to you soon and thanks for posting the few early pictures I emailed from my phone! The lows were a few degrees higher than expected and the days were perfect! Since deciding I wanted to host a Clan Thompson tent at this event I had the recurring thought of being the only person there for two days holding down the fort and getting no visitors. I am thankful that it was just the opposite and I have to thank Fred and Barb not only for the banners, flags and other tent items, but also for the tremendous amount of time they dedicated to manning the Clan Thompson tent Saturday and Sunday. Thanks also to Ed and glad he could make it all the way to the games! Thanks also to John and Sarah for the time at the tent on Sunday! And to John Thomson Hollingsworth, Mary, and their friend and host Carol for coming as well.
We had close to 40 Thom(p)sons come by the tent and sign up with their contact information to receive more information about Clan Thompson. Many were surprised and glad to finally see a Clan Thompson! I will try to follow up with all of them throughout this week. I was surprised at the many more from other clans who had family members that were Thom(p)sons and the overwhelming support they offered this Society as we again make a name for ourselves.
I will try to get a longer recap of events and more pictures up soon but wanted to let everyone know how well things had gone and give proper kudos to those that made it happen and pulled it off so well!!! I am happy to host a tent at the same event next year in 2010!!!
Duke
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Oh, how I wish we could have been there!! Sounds like you had a great turnout. :D Thanks for the pictures Duke and John. How did you do in the archery contest Duke?
Thanks so much for the reports guys, for those of us who couldn't make it.
Barbara
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Hi Duke and Fred:
Sarah and I enjoyed our time with you on Sunday.
You did us proud and the long list of interested folks can only lead to better things - increased membership for sure.
The post-Games gathering provided another opportunity to widen our circle of friends and deepen our knowledge of malts sublime!
Until we meet again - in kinship!
John and Sarah
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Saw some pictures Fred and Babs had --- what a good looking bunch! Ya did us proud! And the tent looked great too (we always like a good-looking operation)......
John (Thomson) - are you any easier to understand face-to-face than you are on the phone??? ;D
Did you all realize that John (Thomson - darn we have a lot of John Thom(p)sons!) is the clan bard??? I know he's posted some works, so if you've missed them, look 'em up.
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Dear Kinsmen,
I think the Mid-Florida Games were a huge success. The tent was in an area that everyone could see with no problem ( at least they didn’t stick us out of the way, like a stepchild)!!!
Nearly everyone was shocked to see a Thompson tent and most (about 75%) wanted to sign our guest list and/or take a membership form, Duke has a precise number. We were very busy answering questions all weekend. We didn’t have much time to do anything else.
John and Mary Hollingsworth (Thompson) and Ed Dietz came on Saturday. They were grateful to see a Thompson tent at this event and it is always a honor to met good people and kinsmen!
John and Sarah Thomson came on Sunday. Sara said John was not feeling well, but he toughed it out and was a big help. Everyone loved his Scottish accent, it gave are tent more of a genuine feel. I thank him for coming and hope to see them both at future games.
John and Walter MacFarlane are both Thompson’s on their mother’s side and are looking forward to joining. Barbara and I met the MacFarlane’s last year and we can say that we are glad we could finally give them what they wanted, a home named Clan Thompson Society that asked nothing more than to welcome them with open arms!
We thank Duke Thompson and his son Taylor for hosting the tent and we look forward to seeing them both again next year.
You may not have been there but were in our thoughts and hearts,
In Kinship,
Fred and Barbara Cash
P.S. pictures to follow.
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Pic.1- From left to right Fred, Babs and Duke at the mid-Florida games more to come. Pic.2- Duke and Taylor (son) Pic.3- Bruce Thompsom an interested kinsman.
More tomorrow, Babarba Moore do we have a treat for you, guess who the intertainment was? Bet you can!! And we have pictures.. Fred and Babs
(http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/2232/p1170060ys6.th.jpg) (http://img145.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1170060ys6.jpg)(http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/4462/p1170062jk5.th.jpg) (http://img218.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1170062jk5.jpg)(http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/5598/p1170065uk7.th.jpg) (http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1170065uk7.jpg)
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As our dear Aussie would say "Good on ya Fred!" You got the pics posted and taunted Barbara .....a good day's work! ;)
Couldn't have been Albannach, could it?????? ;D
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Pic.1-John and Sarah Thomson, Pic.2 Ed Dietz far right, thanks Ed you were a lot of help.
(http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/4739/p1180089jy3.th.jpg)[/U[URL=http://img217.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1170085xe9.jpg](http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/8478/p1170085xe9.th.jpg) (http://img178.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1180089jy3.jpg)RL]
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You guys need to forgive me I'm new at this!
Pic.1-The MacFarlane's (Thompson's) Pic.2-We had a great tent site.Pic.3- Duke going to archery contest.Pic.4-It was a big games.
(http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/2872/p1170082yi4.th.jpg) (http://img166.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1170082yi4.jpg)(http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/6461/p1170068mm4.th.jpg) (http://img141.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1170068mm4.jpg)(http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/8523/p1180088wq6.th.jpg) (http://img207.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1180088wq6.jpg)(http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/5664/p1170074xc5.th.jpg) (http://img504.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1170074xc5.jpg)
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I will get the the hang of this!! Albanach Pic.1-Babs with Jackie Pic2-Jamise Pic.3-Aya Pic.4-tatoo's
(http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/4449/p1170070te2.th.jpg) (http://img144.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1170070te2.jpg)(http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/6974/p1170071wg9.th.jpg) (http://img240.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1170071wg9.jpg)(http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/8921/p1170072or0.th.jpg) (http://img519.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1170072or0.jpg)(http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/8476/p1170075rs4.th.jpg) (http://img291.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1170075rs4.jpg)(http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/171/p1180091gh2.th.jpg) (http://img401.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1180091gh2.jpg)
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What great photos....the Thom(p)son's are such a handsome bunch ;)
Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to set up and host the Clan Thompson Society tent. I so proud of y'all :-*
Donna
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Great pictures! What a braw group!
Babarba Moore do we have a treat for you, guess who the intertainment was? Bet you can!! And we have pictures.. Fred and Babs
Babs, you are so mean, teasing me with pictures of Albannach! I'm still one up on ya, I've got a picture of Jamesie kissing me! 8) ;D I'm glad John is not the jealous type. ;D
It sounds like the Florida Games were a hugh success. I'm so proud of all of you. <<hugs>>
Barbara
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Hello all and thanks for posting! Glad to see everyone else had as much fun as Taylor and I did! Taylor actually got 2 bulls eyes in the archery competition and got to pick a small prize from the kids table. As for me, I didn't come in last!!! Should be able to get more pictures up this week.
Duke
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Maybe you need to take Taylor out in the back yard and have him coach you in archery! It's great he did so well and greater yet that the two of you jumped in and participated in the archery competition! Good sportsmanship, good fun, and joining in. I've been tempted to try the frying pan toss, but I have such bad shoulders, I wouldn't be able to throw very far and would risk some major damage. I might do better if they ever went 'country' and did husband calling! :)
Mary
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I'd like to thank everyone connected with putting on the highland games, I know your efforts will be rewarded. And such good looking people too---can't beat the Thom(p)son genes.
Booner
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Good to see you back Booner, we've missed you! :D
Barbara