James Campbell Stewart

Here's the story that goes with my 65th birthday picture below (Look at the picture then come back here):

As everyone knows,I am a rather conservative sort of person but for my 65th birthday,which is a momentous occasion for us all, I decided to do something totally out of character for me to celebrate the day. I began preparation several months in advance by measuring myself and ordering a kilt. I did not reveal my plan to a soul, not even my wife Brenda. The kilt was delivered to my office where it securely stored away from curious eyes. As the appointed day and time approached I formulated the details of my plan for the day.

First- I would take the kilt home and hide it in my closet.

Second- Early in the morning after my shower and when Brenda was in the other end of the house I would put on the entire outfit and then make my first appearance in front of Brenda. To say the least, she was totally shocked and somewhat miffed that I had not let her in on my plans for the day. I had planned to arrive late at the office, sneak in the back door and casually stroll through. You cannot imagine the shock on each and every face.

Little did I know that they had planned a surprise luncheon for me. My wife Brenda knowing how much I loved the bagpipes, had arranged for a piper to play for us all at a wonderful luncheon given by my entire office. Sometimes great plans arrive at the same place at the same time.

Later in the day I called a friend, who is a general contractor, and asked if he would like to join me for beer after work at a local Redneck bar. I let him arrive a little before me so he would be seated at the bar when I walked in. There were numerous people that I knew and when I walked in, there were stares of disbelief.

All in all it was a wonderful day that I will always cherish. The following Saturday night my family wanted to go to Sullivans in Charlotte to celebrate my 65th. I wore the entire outfit and we had a Great time. My youngest son Patrick really wants a kilt like mine but my oldest son Cam said that he was not so sure he was ready for one.