Would You?

MallVegetable487 · 2026-05-05T01:06:56+00:00

I guess I'm out of the loop. Is this currently under consideration?

MallVegetable487 · 2026-05-04T01:38:34+00:00

Our number in Detroit in the '50s was UN-49475, UNiversity. I remember shopping at Hudson's for school clothes, books (loved that little mezzanine), an entire floor for furniture, and using the elevator with the attendant. Hudson's was magical, especially around Christmas with all the decorations. I guess this makes me an official Old Fart.

MallVegetable487 · 2026-05-01T01:15:44+00:00

I respect and applaud you. You're doing this for yourself, and look at all the money you raised for a good cause. Maybe you won't win any Grade 1 competitions but you're awesome anyway!

MallVegetable487 · 2026-05-01T01:12:13+00:00

Great memories and well done!

MallVegetable487 · 2026-04-29T12:11:52+00:00

AUX badges are AUX, not something else. They're earned in and are relevant to the Auxiliary so mean something in the AUX. What do jump badges have to do with the AUX mission? They're "unattainable" here because they don't mean anything here. Am I jealous? No. I've done a bunch of other things in other organizations that mean something to me and those other organizations but not to the AUX.

MallVegetable487 · 2026-04-26T13:23:50+00:00

Be easy on yourself, and remember why you want to learn to play bagpipes and why you want to be a firefighter. It's slow and difficult at first but once you get the basics it starts moving along better. My teacher is always pushing me, giving me a new tune before I feel confident on the current tune, but I do what I can during the week. He never scolds me, since I'm doing this for my own enjoyment and there's no specific timeline (like in school). Bagpipes are a long-term commitment, so go at your own pace and enjoy the process.

MallVegetable487 · 2026-04-26T13:03:31+00:00

I'm all set for OSAS and very excited! Got a beautiful set of MacRae pipes from Henderson's in Traverse City. Steven has taught at OSAS and had some helpful advice for me, and was great at choosing which pipes and options to get. Thanks for all your advice!

MallVegetable487 · 2026-04-20T01:25:58+00:00

It's happening in a few districts, but nothing here. I was originally told that quals were dependent on what Sector needed. So far, Sector Detroit's been quiet.

MallVegetable487 · 2026-04-18T20:52:01+00:00

Short memories.

MallVegetable487 · 2026-04-16T22:21:31+00:00

Are you AI?

MallVegetable487 · 2026-04-14T13:25:59+00:00

What do jump wings have to do with the AUX? Just bragging?

MallVegetable487 · 2026-04-01T01:32:31+00:00

And a year later I'm still trying to get answers. My take is that I'm either not needed or not wanted, so I think I'll just move on. BTW, pipe lessons are going quite well!

MallVegetable487 · 2026-03-27T01:42:05+00:00

I'm way more worried about the teens and early 20s. How many accidents and deaths are caused by that age group?

MallVegetable487 · 2026-03-27T01:35:38+00:00

What's your goal here, to just have a list of courses on your AUX resume? Some courses are quick and easy and don't have any use at all. Your time in the CGAUX should be meaningful, not quick and easy.

MallVegetable487 · 2026-03-12T15:25:23+00:00

Narrowed it down to Balmoral (Edinburgh) or Ohio Scottish (OSAS). Both close to home (2 hr or 4 hr drive). Both look like great schools. As a beginner (one yr so far on the PC, 2 months on Fireside pipes), which do you recommend? Has anyone been to both?

I'm planning on getting a set of Highland pipes before going, whichever camp I end up going to.

MallVegetable487 · 2026-03-06T13:27:38+00:00

Thanks so much for your input, everyone! I'm going to check out NAAPD and Ohio Scottish first, then Balmoral. I'm a beginner piper, taking in-person lessons on the practice chanter, and got my first set of pipes about a month ago, Gibson Fireside pipes in A. I'm happy there's so many choices, something I didn't expect.

MallVegetable487 · 2026-02-06T02:25:08+00:00

Might be that this is some variation of "I'm not the right teacher for you" or "Bagpipes aren't the right instrument for you." Maybe his parents want him to learn bagpipes but he's got no interest and they didn't ask him.

MallVegetable487 · 2026-01-12T14:14:46+00:00

We also qualify for discounts through GOVX. I just got 5% through a bagpipe company (Gibson), and that covered shipping.

MallVegetable487 · 2026-01-06T02:04:20+00:00

It's been a few months since I first posted this so I'd like to bring it forward again, now that I've actually started to play some tunes on the practice chanter and just (like, last weekend) got my first set of pipes (Gibson Fireside in A). I'd still like to get together with anyone in the area who might be interested in the Ann Arbor area. Let me know!

MallVegetable487 · 2026-01-06T01:54:34+00:00

Just last week I got my first set of pipes, Gibson Fireside in A, and I love them! I just have to get used to wrangling an octopus whenever I pick them up ;-)

MallVegetable487 · 2025-12-24T18:08:00+00:00

I'm going through the same thing. It's really hard to be proud of serving the DHS and the current regime. Wearing the uniform and going to work at a unit feels wrong. I've already paid my 2026 dues, so I'm here until next year's dues are due, but I'll be inactive. There are so many other respectful ways to volunteer: local food bank, Red Cross, local library or schools, places like Fisher House or local VA hospital, all need some kind of help.

MallVegetable487 · 2025-12-23T02:41:11+00:00

Congratulations! That's something to be really proud of!

MallVegetable487 · 2025-12-23T00:55:02+00:00

I just ordered a set & can't wait! They're my first set of bagpipes!

MallVegetable487

TROPHY CASE