May 6 will be a day in history we will never forget.  We will watch and celebrate, and hold the memory of our dear Queen Elizabeth close to us.

My friend Kelly Torrance passed away.  She was someone that I worked with so many years ago at the Brigadier's Pump in Ottawa, and we both had a wonderful time as very good waitresses at the bustling pub.  We kept in touch over the years when work and school changed our paths, and she was always someone who had a great smile and superb spirit.  She became ill a couple of years ago, and I made sure to keep her entertained by making little videos and sending them to her, and she was always so grateful for them.  When she was planning her funeral, she asked me to play Amazing Grace for her, which I did, but I told her mum and family that I wanted to end the service with something a bit more uplifting.  So, I cranked out Going Home and Dancing Queen, a medley never before played by me, for a girl who was like no other.  She will be so sadly missed. 

Listening to piping records as a kid was something not only I did, but many of my contemporaries did as well.  At the time, it was one of the few ways we'd get exposed to good music of pipe bands, and our parents totally encouraged it.  I have been told that friends of mine used to march around the dining room table with one person carrying a stick (or toilet plunger) and one kid wearing a tea towel as a cape - mimicking the drum major's mace and the piper's plaids that were so visually interesting to us - and this has been the tradition of many.  With the ending of the BBC Pipeline program, it's up to us to continue encouraging ways of sharing the music, be it with YouTube recordings, private recordings and so much more.  Just share the inspiration, and be the joy you want to bring! 

It always makes shows much more fun when we have the dancers with us.  They light up the room and bring the shows alive.  We call it The Dancers Delight, and do they ever!

So come join the fun!

The corgis are coming to Tartan Day!  So marvellous!!

gets you far.  Take it from me.

I spend a lot of time thinking of ways to help many people by way of music, charitable means, or just helpful advice.  I get a lot of joy out of the success and happiness of others, and I am so happy myself when a plan comes together, and I know what a positive influence the plan will have on others.  I will always be this way, and I am so blessed with the friends and family I have.  You all inspire me to go big so we can all go together!  Make your day great, and I'll do the same!

I have selected 3 poems to read at our upcoming Burns event at a local retirement home. There are many to choose from.  What a guy he was!

Continuing the long running tradition of Burns parties in Ottawa, we are pleased to be sponsoring the 133rd Burns party at Deacon Brodies Pub on Elgin Street. Come along on either day for an evening of fun!

Because your life will be sweeter.
Because your friends will turn to you for help.
Because people will think more of you.
Because it feels good!
Here's to 2023 - a kind year for us all!

Today I have to help celebrate the life and legacy of my good friend Grete Hale, pictured here on my right in the green dress. Grete and I were friends for decades, and she truly was a community leader and positive force for Ottawa and Canada throughout her long and interesting life. She will be missed, and I will play her tune with pride. 
Call your friends. They love ya!

This sweet, dear cat came into my life 10 years ago when I rescued her off of Stewart Street.  Loving, kind and happy, she has been a wonderful companion of mine since that special day.  She passed away last week, and I am heartbroken but happy to have been in her life.  I will never forget her.  Please go hug your pet for me.

We performed for Her Majesty The Queen and her family on August 17 as part of our annual trip to Scotland and it was amazing.  More great things to come because of this opportunity and we are preparing for it every day.

I went for a shop today.  I found some nice chocolates on sale for a super good price, and I found 3 packages of them.  I went to the cash, and the nice guy who checked me out asked if there were any more on the shelves.  I told him no, but after I paid for them, I gave him one.  He said it made his day.  It made mine! 

We put together a wonderful weekend on May 21 and 22 to celebrate The Queen's Platinum Jubilee.  We had so many great performances, and many volunteers who came together to make for a great weekend of fun and music.  I so appreciate so many great friends and the talents of everyone.

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Her Majesty The Queen 25 years ago in Ottawa at Rideau Hall.  It was an extraordinary opportunity and we had a great conversation about music and philanthropy.  She accepted my gift of red roses, which I have since brought to her on many occasions, and she paid me a lovely compliment which I will cherish forever.  Ask me about it sometime...!

And it was grand!  Onto the next...

I wanted to get everyone together for a terrific combined St. Patrick's Day/Robbie Burns Day.  That day is today and I am very happy that so many people have told me they're coming out.  The day will be warm and full of music, and I look forward to lots of good memories.  Cheers!