Legislators were treated to St. Patrick's Day bagpiping by a Senate page from North Idaho, who admitted to pining for the pubs of Sandpoint and Coeur d'Alene.

Mallory Triplett's heart will be with St. Joseph's Pipe and Drum Corps tonight, though she'll be in her temporary quarters in Boise. "It's one of our best nights to make money, but I'll be home tonight. I have nowhere else to go."

Triplett, 17, played five selections just before the House and Senate convened Tuesday morning, "Roses and Jacobites" "Athol Highlanders," "Rowan Tree" "Scotland the Brave," and finished with "Amazing Grace."

Triplett said the final selection wasn't intended as solicitation for divine intervention as the Legislature grinds on with no agreement on core budget issues. "I like that because it appeals to peoples' emotions," said the Sandpoint High School senior.

She was applauded by lawmakers including Rep. George Eskridge of Dover and Sen. John McGee of Caldwell, who complimented her on the fine playing. But no tips were to be seen.