NOTES FROM THE SOUTHWESTWhat a great and glorious gathering of the Skene descendants we had at the Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games at Arlington, TX on June 5th & 6th! We had a record turnout at the tent with 62 registered, 48 of whom were "kith and kin" from Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Texas. One very special guest was Margaret McConnell from Irvine, Scotland. She is the grandmother of Margaret Reddington, an ex-student of mine at Dallas Baptist University. In 1995 when we were in Scotland, we visited Mrs. McConnell and enjoyed a delightful tea in her home there. It was such a surprise to see her again! Also, we especially enjoyed our visits with four enthusiastic new members: Brenda Capps, who came with her father, Alex Reed Capps; Dave and Penny Young; Richard Skeen; and Ruth (Skeen) Cottingham with her husband, Mile Dixon. This year for the first time, Von Earl Hall from Tulsa, OK, entered the bagpiping contest at Arlington. Since this was his first competition, he was a little nervous; but we were very proud of him and enjoyed his entertaining us later at the tent with his music. We look forward to hearing him when he participates in future contests. It was also great to see so many of our returning members. Thomas Hall of Dallas, who joined last year, brought his beautiful teenage daughter; Brian Rennie returned this year; and Anne Nocher braved the heat to carry our banner in the Parade of Tartans. The Skains Family was well represented again this year. Linda (Skains) Tiffin, Sandra Hammons and Pat Mehaffey were there, and Jody Pulliam was back again. Russell Skains from Louisiana, who was enjoying his first Scottish gathering with wife Babs and daughter April, commented that the event had opened up a whole new world to him. A close family group came from Austin - my sister Pat Raymond, my sister-in-law Frances Odem, her son Rusty Skeen and his son Nathan. Ken Skeen and wife Tracy were there also - so it was a great day for me. Since June 5th was my birthday, they bought a cake and gifts - a real party! We are looking forward to next year. Will have to have two tents to take care of the crowd. Later this summer on August 21, we hosted the Skene tent in Jackson, MS. Linda Tiffin of Arcadia, LA, accompanied us there and helped with the driving. Driving is not one of my favorite activities, especially since my back surgery in June. We visited in Linda's home, going and returning, and really appreciate her hospitality. At Jackson, we were happy to meet a new member, Marcy Ridgway and her husband Bruce from Tupelo, MS. Marcy is an accomplished seamstress, and we were so pleased that she requested copies of some early Skene kilt and crest designs which we had displayed at our tent. Meeting such interested members, as well as gaining new prospects at the Scottish events, makes our trips so rewarding. And now we are looking forward to going to Tulsa, OK on September 18-19 and to McPherson, KS on September 25-26. ANNOUNCEMENT: OUR CHIEF DANUS SKENE HAS A NEW LITTLE "TEXAS RANGERETTE"Most of you, who have been reading the Clan Skene Newsletter the last few years, know that Chief Danus calls Kendall "Ken" Skeen his "Texas Ranger." Ken, my nephew, has assisted us the past four years with more than 20 Scottish gatherings, so many of you also know him. Now, we want to announce that Ken and his lovely wife Tracey have a beautiful wee bairn named Megan Francine, who was born on July 19, and is bringing much joy and happiness to their home. Proud grandparents are Calvin and Wanda Skeens and Frances Odem.
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