A Glimpse into my mind

~Three pairs of pants completely finished.
~One Russian shirt completely finished.
~Russian Great Coat well on it's way to being done. Don't like this pattern for the way the sleeve went together. Will continue onward and finish it but retire this pattern. Hope to sit down with Bree at war and pick her brain.
~Three over tunics/dresses have hems marked.
~Skirt has hem marked
~Russian overskirt done.
~Preliminary plans for this weekend made. I will be going down with Boogie to set up our corner of the world. I will then come back sunday night so I can work Monday -Thrusday.
~new rugs for tent purchased.
~finally purchased rain boots - they are leopard print and made me think of Sabriel when I bought them at wal-mart (and they were under $20!)
~purchased beverages for Pennsic
~purchased shoes for elevation as well as leg coverings.
~Finally figured out how I'm going to make my elevation apron without cutting into the beautiful silk and destroying it.
~house mostly picked up
~cookout with the girls. French Fries experiement #22 an EH success.

So today I'm killing time by looking over classes being taught at Pennsic and come across two I really want to attend:

Embellishment Tips for Russian Clothing
Come learn some styles, techniques, tips, and tricks for embellishing Russian clothing, plus information on accessories to complete your Russian ensemble.
Tue., 8/5, 3 PM or Thur., 8/7, 5 PM 1 hr.

A Survey of Medieval Russian Clothing
Join us for a presentation on medieval Russian clothing from the 10th- 17th centuries, for both men and women. Covers basic construction, ornamentation, and accessories, with handouts and examples, and useful shortcuts for the newcomer.
Mon., 8/4, 4 PM. Tues or 8/5, 2 PM 2 hrs

First one I can take Thursday. I think I'm scheduled to be Deputy that day but one hour is no big deal and it's not like I have to be in point the whole time.

The second class I'm thinking I should do the monday class even though I know I'm on duty that day and just risk having to be pulled out. I think Tuesday would be cutting it close. Class would be out at 4. Court's at 6. And I will have to get ready and all "purdied" up for court.

There are a couple other classes I'd like if I remember to go, but these are the ones I really want to take.

The kitties are glad I'm home. To the point that the only time I'm out of Tzar's sight is when I go outside. He even follows me into the bathroom. Right now he and Talia are enjoying their Pennsic Pressies of new catnip toys.

( Pennsic Review )
( today's nightmare )
But I'm going to spend the rest of the day just resting and trying to cope with being home and back in the mundane world.

I got out of work an hour ago, did the last minute shopping and am now home long enough to pick the place up so it's not a total nightmare when I get home, not to mention an embarassment to have the neighbor kid come over and feed the cats.

No clue how often (if at all) I will be posting from war or checking email.

For those that would need to reach me I will have my cell and be checking it at least once a day.

Toodles all and see you on the 12th if not at war!

Got all my grocery shopping done for war. Spent more than I wanted but this way I know I have enough to drink and I won't starve (yes I know I wouldn't have even if I didn't bring any food but this way I won't fee like a mooch).

Got the front lawn mowed (would have done it Tuesday so it wouldn't be so bad when I get back from war, but the next door neighbor is having a open house today and I figured it would be polite to not have the lawn adjacent to theirs look neglected)

and most of all

I FOUND MY CORONET BOX!!!! I spotted one little box tucked into a corner of the Florida room and wondered what was in it. Low and behold - most of my jewelry and my hat box. Now I can focus my energy on other things.

I will say that the zoloft is working because last night I would have been a wreck because I couldn't find it, But instead I was like "It's ok. I can survive without it, though it would be nice to have it".

Today's plans are to finish up laundry for war and finish sewing. All in all I'm pleased with the progress I've made and equally pleased with the final decision to not go down this weekend and instead use the time to get stuff done.

I'm going to say it...

Boogie was right.

( pennsic )

( work )

Well I'm going to go find some breakfast and then see about cleaning the kitchen before heading over to the apartment.

Well I managed to do what I planned to do at War this year. I had fun.

I worked only when I wanted to, and what work I did, was not tiresome, tedious or overly draining.

Only did a couple shifts at Security. And pulled my requisite all nighter to keep Brusi company.

There were many wonderful comments about my weigh loss. And for those that did not hear... Friday before I went down for good I went to Weigh In. I am officially now a lifetime member. I just have to maintain the weight and weigh in once a month. Ye haw.

The morning walking group seemed to be a hit and there have been requests that we do it every year. I have no problems with that. We only went as fast as the slowest person in the group so there was no strain on anyone involved. 9 am-ish was a good time for it. Not too hot, not that many folks on the roads and it gave us a nice way to wake up for the day.

It was good to hang out with old friends again. Family lost now found.

I got two of the three scrolls done that I got asked to do on site. The third will be done by Summers End. Also got commissions for some backlogs of friends. I need to get details and then talk to the Signets of those kingdoms.

Speaking of scrolls, the one I got done before I left for war was a wonderful "got you". blaecstan told me he always went to AEthelmearc court because he knows he will never get called into court. Well... he now has this (click on the picture to see bigger version)

Jonathan Blaecstan's Keystone

to hang on his wall. He claims he needs to get me back. But see... he did my Fleur last year so I don't see how mine is nothing more than a getting him back for that. Right?

Also did a "got you" at Security. Seretai, formerly known as Sylvanna, made a comment to me and Brusi one night that she didn't have an AoA or anything. Well, I made a request of their Majesties AEthelmearc, who talked to their Majesties Atlantia... and this past Friday Night, (well technically Saturday Morning), they arrived and held a small court and gave her a Keystone with AoA. And she said she couldn't figure out what most of the Security staff was doing at Point at that time of night with no apparent emergency to deal with. Sometimes it's nice to be devious. Especially when it's for a good cause.

On the home front, it's a good thing my mother ignored my request to not go to my apartment while I was gone. Mostly the request was because I really didn't need the house cleaning lecture when I got back. But she did go and it's good that she did. Apparently my waterheater blew. she got it all taken care of for me though. And Alex got a vacation from all as she took Tzar and Talia to her house as technically by my lease I am to only have one cat.

When we all returned home last night we had great big kitty pile on the bed with everyone snuggling everyone else. Including Alex.

Moose is still alive in the fish tank. I just need to add more water soon.

I now have the glorious task of cleaning house so I can put everything away. But that is going to wait for another day.

I now need to work up the motivation to go do a wee bit of grocery shopping so I can have lunches this week at work and stuff.

It's good to be home

It's hot again. I couldn't tell you how hot as I forgot to look as I was walking past Chiurgens. But it's hot.

Yesterday was the AEthelmearc Known World Party. I got there at 5:45 as I was told we wre helping set up at 6. This was the most disorganized bunch I ever met. Only one person apparently knew what was to be done and she wasn't really sharing on the whole "what we needed to do" concept. We got told "We need to platter up food". Well gee it was me, Rowena, Master Daniel DiCavalo, and Mistress Sadira. Two of the best cooks in AEthelmearc and two of the best helpers in the Kingdom. I think between the four of us we can handle ating brownies, cookies and veggies. Apparently not. We got told we were doing it wrong. So what should have taken 20 minutes took closer to two hours because we were not competant enough to plate food.

I didn't bother going to the party. I haven't been in much of a social mood this war. I've only seen Bruce in passing that once. Only hung out with Misha and Ben that one night and had a couple people mug-hug in passing. I did promise Mistress Bree (the cool one from the outlands) that I would come by Lochac after court tonight and see everyone, especially since I'm leaving tomorrow morning.

IT rained all last night and part of this morning. This meant the smart fighters in the household did NOT do the woods battle today. Currently boss is out on the field doing the fencing broken pass battle. earlier this morning/afternoon I followed their Graces around the market like a good little retainer and got lunch. The only spending I did was lunch.

I'll take notes at court tonight and let you all know if anything interesting happens. It promises to be a LONG court. I've heard tell of at least two peerages and catching everyone they have misses over the reign.

I'm ready to come home. Though I'm going to miss Ansteorran Chili Night, EK Court where a friend is getting her Pelican, the Millrind Meeting, and something else that I know I wanted to do but am blanking on at the moment.

But it's time to go home. I'm pretty much packed as I never unpacked. Didn't bother taking the garb out of tubs so I don't have to take everything down and re-tub it. So when I wake up in the morning, I'll go get the van out of slot two of row 19 and bring it down. That way the boy's can help me tear down the pavillion before they have to get ready for the Mountain Pass battle (which is happening at 11).

I haven't decided if I'm going home home first or going straight to mom's to drop of the laundry. That will be decided on route I guess.

Need to remember to give Boss directions to my place so he can crash Saturday night on his way home.

Love you all. I'll be home tomorrow and give my reflections of war.

Miss you.

Talk to everyone soon.

Boss is home. The Duchess is much happier. Heidi went home to get Grant and Matthew and won't be back until tomorrow. So all evening we got to hear Wulf say "I miss Heidi".

Yesterday was low key after the movie and stuff. IT tried to rain during the day ... if you call three rain drops trying to rain. I spent some time window shopping and got dinner then came back to camp and just hung out all evening. AFter calling Boo I just went to bed and read. This is the war of doing little but sitting and reading.

Today was opening ceremonies. I didn't go. Boss had to as Kingdom Champion. They were on the field by quarter to 11.

I went shopping. Bought lots of books. Came back to camp at 11:45 and the east was just starting to mosey up to the field. Glad I'm not required to be there this year.

Meirwen and I then went and did some more shopping. Got the last of the prezzies for Boo and Boogie and even picked up a prezzie for Boo to give Dicky.

Later this evening Daffydd is hosting family dinner at his camp. Not sure if I want to go but I got that look from the Duchess that said "You're going".

It's not as hot as it has been. Good breeze. Rained last night after the State did a firework's display at Morraine State Park. Needed the rain, though it brought out the ants.

Miss everyone.

Spending too much money.

Miss everyone.

I'm almost ready to come home. Three more days.

Oh boo.... boss may be staying at my place Saturday night next week if you are in town and not going to DC.

Moo to all.

Update tomorrow

I actually managed to get on the thruway yesterday by 9:30am (go me) and arrived on site around 12:30. I hadn't even fully gotten out of the car when I got attack huggled by Andrew. It was good to see my king. Morguhn may be by Duke and Knight and I have served faithfully during his reigns, Andrew will always be bmy king because I served his reign with no proir obligations other than friendship.

Checked in found camp and started setting up. I'm in my standard corner (the corner of Chandler and the Strand) If you're here at pennsic come look me up. Look for the tent with my arms on it (see the icon).

Started setting up and Ro came over to help. She opened the bin with the ropes and went "Um... Ekat...." I go over and yeah... ewww was not the word. I think the lifeform that had grown on the ropes could sue for membership to the UN. Last year I left pennsic very ill and at least remembered to dry out the canvas after the monsoon. HOwever we didn't think about the ropes. Luckily Panthar Pavillion was already set up and I was able to get new rope with sliders for$20.

On my way to Panther I ran into... BRUCE! Yeah the one that we all thought wouldn't ever be able to make it here again. Got my aussie hug but had to get the ropes so I couldn't sit and chat.

Eventually got the tent up but then had to get the braces for the bed from Devon. Got them. They did't quite fit. Had to find Devon and his battery operated saw and got it fixed. Bed up!

As I was setting up Misha drove by and waved. He couldn't stop so I haven't had anything but the wave yet.

Got my soy-fre, msg-free chicken fried rice and my chocolate milk. It's now offically pennsic.

I rocked out hard last night. Bed by 8pm woke up at 7am.

I've done some shopping and am going to head back to camp to eat lunch.

Miss everyone. Jealous of those that got to go to the great big sea concert last night.

Everyone sends love and stuff to Boo and Boogie. Lots of pouting when I said you weren't going to be making it.

But Boo, you'd hate it here. Yesterday at 5:30pm the heat index was 95. Definately a gauze war.

And now I'll leave you with the quote of the day from Ruth about the temperature of the solar showers - "It's wet and cool. But I didn't scream and my nipples didn't fall off".

Moo to everyone