While I didn't make it out to site on Friday night, due to the world being seemingly against me which inspired a significant amount of whining from me to those near and dear, we did get our happy party there shortly after 9am. Luckily I arrived at exactly the same time as my fellow MOLs, Agnes and Ceridwen-North, so none of us left the others waiting. We hung out at the tables for 3ish hours in the morning, signing in 49 fighters, 9 marshals and chiurgeons, and worked on 2 new authorizations and 2 renewals. I keep telling myself at the end of each NOTT that we should announce a time for the closing of the list table. We did have 2 folks sign in after 1pm, and ended up keeping someone at the table until 3ish.

But I did get to attend the Baroness's luncheon in honor of Her Majesty, and chat a bit, consult with Deborah Aurifex on fitting bodices of Italian gamurra, and meet a lady from the West Kingdom named Kira and discussed fun stuff about the Plimoth Plantation embroidery project, research, techniques, etc. We eventually abandoned the picked over sideboard and muddy-footed tent for the hall, where I could show her the cool threads, instructions, etc. I also had a fun time chatting with cathgrace about a variety of things and convincing her to come with us up to Boston and another visit to the MFA to see more cool old textiley items. I managed to get rid of some items for cash at Lochmart, which made me happy too.

I must say that I haven't really spent much time in Queen Kari's company before her reign, but she was exceptionally warm, gracious and full of laughter. We were blessed to have her at Night on the Town, and she certainly charmed the populace with her beaming smile. I hope she had a good time, despite the drippy weather.

Court was lovely, with excellent folks being honored for their good works. Especially Elphinstone's Opal for his many years of pre-court calligraphy, Turvon and Brian's Sea Dragons for excellence and service to the rapier community (rar!), Lisette's Coral Branch for her lovely works of art, Gabrell being commended for his excellent service as the autocrat, and finally Vitha's Silver Nautilus for the feast, especially the cheese. And just after court, attack_laurel finished her first sock, and it was a momentously cool occasion. The feast was yummy, and I managed to pack out and take the rest of the homemade cheeses home. I even seized upon the opportunity and trailed Queen Kari out of the hall to visit the not-a-pet baby goat, Riesling, in his amazing cuteness. Okay, for the record, NOTT is held at a pet-free site, and pets of any kind, from dogs and cats to ferrets and goats, are not allowed, so please read the event announcement before you bring any animal to an event. But, the little goat was so precious, and I tried to convince Alan to let me have a goat to keep our lawn manicured, but then heard his bleat of sadness when his "mom" left, and I knew I could never leave the house at that cry, and going to work is a necessary evil.

We ended the evening with good food, good friends, and even a little singing (man, it has been so long, and felt so good) despite the lack of Pykes, and even entertained hopefully more than just ourselves. My happy crew were tired and sore and left just after feast, but I managed to convince the rolanddem to give me a ride back home after singing until almost 10, and taking home the proffered lovely flowers for theodorad (since work called her away mid-event.) We ended up back in the Spacebar chatting and hanging out until after midnight when folks crashed in bed.