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Thirty-five members and guests gathered in Huntersville, North Carolina, coming from as far away as Washington state and British Columbia. Thirteen states and two Canadian provinces were represented. Eager new members added fresh spark and some members who had been absent for a while returned to renew friendships. Our special thanks go to Charles and Lelia Gilreath of Elkin, North Carolina, for arranging a variety of local sights to see, and foods to taste. They treated us to the sounds of R.G. Absher, who entertained us with Celtic and folk music at the Welcome Reception. Tuesday was a trip to King’s Mountain National Battlefield Park; in the evening we enjoyed Pub Night at the North Harbor Club, arranged by Dea Collins. Wednesday took us to Winston-Salem, where we toured the historic Moravian village of Old Salem, enjoying their museums, living history buildings, and a concert on the 1800 Tannenberg Organ; after our visit to Old Salem, we stopped to enjoy the famous Lexington BBQ, after which we toured the Childress Winery and a few did partake of the tasting; in the evening, several of us went to dinner at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Thursday was the lively business meeting and in the evening, we ventured to The Galway Hooker Irish Pub for a banquet and music by R.G. Absher and his group. Several guests departed on Friday and about a dozen of us stayed through the weekend to attend the Loch Norman Highland Games. The weather mostly cooperated and we had a really great time watching competitions, shopping, listening to Scottish tunes, watching Highland dancing, and, of course, eating. Excellent Games! If you ever have the opportunity to do so, try to attend. On behalf of your gathering committee, Lelia Gilreath, Dea Collins, and Joyce Higginbotham, we thank you for sharing this special time.. This narrative is part of the May 2008 Red Tower |