Parading around puddles

We were successfully able to dodge the raindrops

-- and hail -- at two weekend St. Patrick's parades

with our band Galloway Gaelic Pipes and Drums.

First up on Saturday, a quick loop around

the town of Hoosick Falls, NY

followed by an indoor performance.

Our parade-watching partner, Bear.

This poor llama looked so out of place.

Dh, the pipe band's drum major.

Just what is that guy looking at?

On Sunday, it was on to Kingston, NY

for a 3-mile parade that my whole family completed.

A combo of the candy he had collected at the start
and being carried a bit in the last half mile
helped the youngest Dowd finish the parade.

See more photos here.