July 4 - Interesting People

I like talking with people, but sometimes I wonder if I would be quite so chatty if it wasn't for the fact that I am writing on the blog.  Not only do I like to talk, I also like to tell you about the interesting people I meet.  I find it fascinating how our lives intertwine. To make the circle complete, I likely wouldn't be writing on this blog if it wasn't for the fact that I need to use my white cane because of my partial sight, and perhaps that is partly why you choose to read what I write - your own interest in what it is like to live with a vision challenge.

We met Nathan Mitchell at the Seven Oaks afternoon. Two musicians had been invited to participate in the event. A Metis man played the fiddle, and Nathan played the bagpipes.

I have always liked the sound of bagpipes.  I grew up living across the street from a Presbyterian church. Often on a Saturday morning several pipers would gather there for a weekly practice.  The strains of their music would drift across the street.

Nathan was only seven or eight years old when he learned the basics of the bagpipes from his grandfather. Today his musical talent has provided him with many opportunities. On a trip to Australia, Nathan earned money by busking at Circular Quay by Sydney Harbour. On another occasion he came face to face with Paul McCartney. The fifty-five strong drum and pipe band of which Nathan is a member, was rehearsing for their part in a McCartney concert. When Nathan turned around, there was McCartney right behind him. It was a brief encounter, but McCartney had time for a smile, a nod and a few words for the star struck piper.

We enjoyed chatting with Nathan and listening to his tales about his music, the band, and his travels.  Lyle discovered a connection with farming. Nathan is working for an agricultural machinery company based in Winnipeg with sales across the prairies, including central Alberta.

Nathan certainly one of the more interesting people we have met so far on this trip.